As weather modifying becomes increasingly fashionable, Moscow is joining Beijing in trying to tamper with snowfalls.Two weeks after Beijing successfully tested the technique of causing tonnes of snow to fall on the drought-hit city by bombarding clouds with silver iodine, Moscow authorities are embarking on a similar experiment to achieve the opposite result — keep snow clouds away from the city to reduce the cost of cleaning streets in winter.The Moscow Mayor’s office has hired the Air Force to blast clouds from the sky between November 15 and March 15. The plan would cost the budget about $6 million, but city economists said the use of the Air Force is three times cheaper than conventional snow removal methods, and would allow authorities to save $10 million they spend every winter digging the Russian capital from under about eight feet of snow. During heavy snowfalls municipal services haul away from Moscow streets about 3,00,000 cubic metres of snow a day.
Military aircraft will fly out and spray clouds with dry ice, cement particles or silver iodine to create crystallisation and force precipitation to fall before it reaches Moscow. The same technique is already used in Moscow in summer to keep the skies blue during major holidays.However, environmentalists are objecting to the plan. They said trees and plants in Moscow parks could freeze out for lack of sufficient snow cover. Snowfalls also help clean the air in the city with a population of over 10 million.
However, the first snow blizzard that hit Moscow last Friday increased support for the cloud seeding plan. Traffic jams caused by the snowfall stretched for a total of almost 1,000 km of Moscow streets.
The Hindu, November 10th , 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Climate change a challenge in farm sector: IISR chief
Research, oriented towards meeting the challenges posed by climate change in the farm sector, would have to be given priority, V.A. Parthasarathy, Director of the Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) said on Monday.He was speaking at an interactive session with mediapersons at a meeting for “mobilising media support for sharing agro-information” at IISR in Chelavoor. He said climate change would be a major challenge for agriculture scientists since States like Orissa would become unfit for growing ginger in the near future because of changes in climatic conditions there.“Such research is not new. IISR scientists have already developed drought-resistant varieties of spices like pepper,” he said.
About the problems of pepper growers he said large-scale replanting of pepper was needed to improve productivity in the State. IISR was already engaged in programmes to ensure availability of high-quality pepper cuttings for replanting.“Evolving varieties through research and releasing them for use of farmers take long, say around 15 years. Rigorous and time consuming tests had to be completed before a new variety can be released,” he said.It had been found replanting was the best way to improve productivity since nearly 48 per cent of pepper vines in the State were “senile.” He denied reports which spoke of scarcity of pepper cuttings for replanting.“Farmers will get them if they approach agencies like IISR which are engaged in producing good quality pepper vines,” he said, adding that problems of pepper growers were getting serious attention of farm scientists.
Dr. Parthasarathy pointed out that there was an urgent need to improve pepper productivity. Vietnam had become the biggest pepper producer pushing back India to the second place. Other countries were also engaged in programmes to boost pepper output. These included raising monoculture pepper plantations instead of as an inter-crop as was the practice in Kerala.
The Hindu, November 10th , 2009
About the problems of pepper growers he said large-scale replanting of pepper was needed to improve productivity in the State. IISR was already engaged in programmes to ensure availability of high-quality pepper cuttings for replanting.“Evolving varieties through research and releasing them for use of farmers take long, say around 15 years. Rigorous and time consuming tests had to be completed before a new variety can be released,” he said.It had been found replanting was the best way to improve productivity since nearly 48 per cent of pepper vines in the State were “senile.” He denied reports which spoke of scarcity of pepper cuttings for replanting.“Farmers will get them if they approach agencies like IISR which are engaged in producing good quality pepper vines,” he said, adding that problems of pepper growers were getting serious attention of farm scientists.
Dr. Parthasarathy pointed out that there was an urgent need to improve pepper productivity. Vietnam had become the biggest pepper producer pushing back India to the second place. Other countries were also engaged in programmes to boost pepper output. These included raising monoculture pepper plantations instead of as an inter-crop as was the practice in Kerala.
The Hindu, November 10th , 2009
Indian study challenges global view on Himalayan glaciers
India on Monday challenged the internationally accepted view that the Himalayan glaciers were receding due to global warming. The glaciers, although shrinking in volume and constantly showing a retreating front, have not in any way exhibited any abnormal annual retreat of the order that some glaciers in Alaska and Greenland have reported, a state-of-the-art review of Glacial Studies, Glacial Retreat and Climate Change said.Brought out by V.K. Raina, former Deputy Director-General, Geological Survey of India, for the Ministry of Environment and Forests, the discussion paper on the Himalayan glaciers points out that it was premature to make a statement that the glaciers were retreating abnormally because of global warming.The study says a glacier is affected by a range of physical features and a complex interplay of climatic factors, and it is, therefore, unlikely that the snout movement of any glacier can be claimed to be the result of periodic climate variation until many centuries of observations become available.
While glacier movements are primarily due to climate and snowfall, snout movements appear to be peculiar to each glacier, the paper adds.Releasing the documents, Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh said that while most Himalayan glaciers were retreating, some were advancing as well. This included the Siachen glacier.“Some glaciers are retreating at a declining rate, like the Gangotri, and the overall health of the Himalayan glaciers was poor as the debris cover had reached alarming proportions,” he said, citing the paper.Mr. Ramesh added that there was no conclusive scientific evidence to show that global warming was resulting in the glacial retreats. Contrary to what most believe, there can be no comparison between the Arctic glaciers and the Himalayan glaciers, as the former are at sea-level and the latter at a very high altitude.
According to Mr. Raina, all glaciers under observation in the Himalayan region during the past three decades have shown cumulative negative mass balance (determined by annual snow precipitation). Degradation of the glacier mass has been the highest in Jammu and Kashmir, relatively lower in Himachal Pradesh, even less in Uttarakhand, and the lowest in Sikkim — showing a declining trend from the north-west to the north-east.Irrespective on latitudinal difference, glacier melt contributes to about 25-30 per cent of the total discharge of glacier ice, with maximum discharge in mid-July and August.Assuring several steps to study the Himalayan glaciers scientifically and arrive at a final conclusion, Mr. Ramesh said he would bring the discussion paper to the notice of R.K. Pachauri, chief of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and other agencies that have warned of doom due to melting glaciers.
The Hindu, November 10th , 2009
While glacier movements are primarily due to climate and snowfall, snout movements appear to be peculiar to each glacier, the paper adds.Releasing the documents, Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh said that while most Himalayan glaciers were retreating, some were advancing as well. This included the Siachen glacier.“Some glaciers are retreating at a declining rate, like the Gangotri, and the overall health of the Himalayan glaciers was poor as the debris cover had reached alarming proportions,” he said, citing the paper.Mr. Ramesh added that there was no conclusive scientific evidence to show that global warming was resulting in the glacial retreats. Contrary to what most believe, there can be no comparison between the Arctic glaciers and the Himalayan glaciers, as the former are at sea-level and the latter at a very high altitude.
According to Mr. Raina, all glaciers under observation in the Himalayan region during the past three decades have shown cumulative negative mass balance (determined by annual snow precipitation). Degradation of the glacier mass has been the highest in Jammu and Kashmir, relatively lower in Himachal Pradesh, even less in Uttarakhand, and the lowest in Sikkim — showing a declining trend from the north-west to the north-east.Irrespective on latitudinal difference, glacier melt contributes to about 25-30 per cent of the total discharge of glacier ice, with maximum discharge in mid-July and August.Assuring several steps to study the Himalayan glaciers scientifically and arrive at a final conclusion, Mr. Ramesh said he would bring the discussion paper to the notice of R.K. Pachauri, chief of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and other agencies that have warned of doom due to melting glaciers.
The Hindu, November 10th , 2009
G20 Finance Ministers fail to agree on climate funding
A meeting of G20 Finance Ministers at St. Andrews in Scotland on Sunday failed to reach an agreement on funding climate change as developed countries continued to dither over the amount of money they were willing to offer to developing countries to help them adopt environmental-friendly schemes.The failure was seen as a blow to the prospects of reaching a global legally binding deal on carbon emissions at next month’s crucial climate change summit in Copenhagen.Green activists expressed their disappointment, saying it meant the Copenhagen summit was doomed.The meeting, attended by a high-level Indian delegation led by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, also failed to agree on a common strategy for withdrawing the massive public funding that had gone into stimulating the global economy in the past year.
As recession starts to wane in many of parts of the world, there is a view that the time has come to withdraw the stimulus, but some countries, including Britain, are opposed to an abrupt withdrawal, arguing that growth has not picked up sufficiently to withstand a sudden loss of “life support.”Before the meeting, Mr. Mukherjee said that instead of a blanket withdrawal strategy, each country should be left alone to choose its own “exit policy” depending on the scale of recovery.Meanwhile, a row erupted over British Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s proposal for a tax on financial transactions by banks, with the U.S., Canada and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), among others, rejecting the idea.
Mr. Brown had suggested that the proposed tax could be used to build a global fund to bail out failed banks in future.U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner rejected the proposal outright saying: “That’s not something that we’re prepared to support.”Canadian Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said Canada was “not in the business of raising taxes but in the business of lowering taxes.” He added: “It is not an idea we would look at.” Dominique Strauss-Kahn, head of the IMF, said that imposing a transaction tax would not be feasible because transactions were “very difficult” to measure.
The Hindu, November 9th , 2009
As recession starts to wane in many of parts of the world, there is a view that the time has come to withdraw the stimulus, but some countries, including Britain, are opposed to an abrupt withdrawal, arguing that growth has not picked up sufficiently to withstand a sudden loss of “life support.”Before the meeting, Mr. Mukherjee said that instead of a blanket withdrawal strategy, each country should be left alone to choose its own “exit policy” depending on the scale of recovery.Meanwhile, a row erupted over British Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s proposal for a tax on financial transactions by banks, with the U.S., Canada and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), among others, rejecting the idea.
Mr. Brown had suggested that the proposed tax could be used to build a global fund to bail out failed banks in future.U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner rejected the proposal outright saying: “That’s not something that we’re prepared to support.”Canadian Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said Canada was “not in the business of raising taxes but in the business of lowering taxes.” He added: “It is not an idea we would look at.” Dominique Strauss-Kahn, head of the IMF, said that imposing a transaction tax would not be feasible because transactions were “very difficult” to measure.
The Hindu, November 9th , 2009
Pure sand extraction from Aruvikkara unviable: expert
A total separation of sand from the sand-silt-clay mixture that would soon be extracted from a one-acre site in the reservoir of the Aruvikkara dam would be prohibitively expensive and, as such, it would be advisable to sell a purified sand-silt mixture according to an expert working on a pilot project for sand extraction.Sand samples taken from a couple of spots in the reservoir have revealed a very low presence of clay. Seventy to eighty per cent of the mixture excavated would be a sand-silt combination, the special officer, Laurie Baker International School of Architecture, Nirmithi Kendra P.R. Sreemahadevan Pillai told The Hindu here on Sunday.Organic deposits are likely to be found only till a depth of about 30 cm. Once this is removed, the extraction can be done. A good portion of the clay can be washed away during the time of extraction itself, Dr. Pillai explained. The resultant mixture can then be further refined using a specially designed, hand-operated rotary sieve which would remove clay conglomerates and gravel.
“What we would then get is a sand-silt combination that can be used straightaway for construction purposes. This mixture would do neither good nor harm if used for construction. Anyway this would be much better than using quarry dust as is being done in many places,” Dr. Pillai said. The clay that is washed away during extraction would initially make the water inside the extraction site turbid. However, this water would not pose a problem for the reservoir as the site would be cordoned off by a bund.Once the clay particles settle in the water in the site, the bund can be cut open.Though during the manual extraction process the depth reached would only be about 1.5 metres, sand can be taken from the reservoir from up to 5 metres deep, Dr. Pillai pointed out. However, even large scale extraction of sand from Aruvikkara would only be able to partially meet the sand requirements in Thiruvananthapuram district. “The lasting solution for sand scarcity would be for the State to turn to non-cement, non-concrete constructions and to look at alternatives like the wood of the coconut tree,” he added.
The Hindu, November 9th , 2009
“What we would then get is a sand-silt combination that can be used straightaway for construction purposes. This mixture would do neither good nor harm if used for construction. Anyway this would be much better than using quarry dust as is being done in many places,” Dr. Pillai said. The clay that is washed away during extraction would initially make the water inside the extraction site turbid. However, this water would not pose a problem for the reservoir as the site would be cordoned off by a bund.Once the clay particles settle in the water in the site, the bund can be cut open.Though during the manual extraction process the depth reached would only be about 1.5 metres, sand can be taken from the reservoir from up to 5 metres deep, Dr. Pillai pointed out. However, even large scale extraction of sand from Aruvikkara would only be able to partially meet the sand requirements in Thiruvananthapuram district. “The lasting solution for sand scarcity would be for the State to turn to non-cement, non-concrete constructions and to look at alternatives like the wood of the coconut tree,” he added.
The Hindu, November 9th , 2009
Monsoons shower a bounty on Silent Valley
The Silent Valley National Park, one of the few remaining rainforests in the country, gets one of the highest — or even the highest — average annual rainfall in the Western Ghats, data for the past 10 years show.The highest average annual rainfall received in the valley was 8,361.9 mm in 2001. In 2000, the figure was 7,788.8 mm; in 2002, 4,262.5 mm; in 2003, 3,499.65 mm; in 2004, 6,521.27 mm; in 2005, 6,919.38 mm; in 2006, 6,845.05 mm; in 2007, 6,009.35 mm; and in 2008, 4386.5 mm. The figure till October this year is 5,477.4 mm.The average annual rainfall of the Western Ghats ranges from 6,000 mm at the crest of the ghats to as low as 600 mm in the valley portion, said a study conducted by B. Venkatesh and M. Bonne of the National Institute of Hydrology, Karnataka. The study was titled ‘Regional Analysis of Rainfall Extremes of Western Ghats.’
The area also accounts for one of the highest rainfall levels in India. Mawsynram in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya is known as the world’s wettest place, with an annual rainfall of 11,873 mm, said environmentalist L. Namasivayam. Cherrapunji held the record earlier.S. Sivadas, Wildlife Warden of the Silent Valley National Park, told The Hindu here on Thursday that the Walakkad and the Poochippara areas had been recording the highest rainfall in the valley since 2000.Up to October this year, Poochippara received a rainfall of 7,639 mm and Walakkad, 5,931 mm. But Walakkad received more rain than Poochippara in most of these nine years. In 2006, Walakkad received the highest ever rainfall of 9,569.6 mm. In 2000, the figure was 7,788 mm; in 2001, 8,351.9 mm; in 2004, 8465.3 mm; and in 2005, 9,347.8 mm.In 2007, Poochippara received the highest ever rainfall of 8,093.7 mm. In 2004, the area received 7,020.1 mm; in 2005, 6,945.6 mm; and in 2006, 7650.8 mm.
The Sairandhri area, where a dam was proposed in the 1970s for the aborted Silent Valley hydroelectric project, also gets good rainfall. In 2004, the area received 5,005.2 mm; in 2005, 5,669 mm; in 2008, 4,507.9 mm; and up to October this year, 4,214.7 mm. The Neelikkal area received an annual rainfall of 5,715.1 mm in 2005;and 3,737.9 mm in 2008.Saby Varghese, Range Officer of the park, said the Silent Valley got continuous rain for six to seven months a year. In the remaining months, mist shrouds the valley, which is estimated to yield 15 per cent of the water generated in the rainforest, with both the north-east and south-west monsoons blessing the valley.
The Hindu, November 9th , 2009
The area also accounts for one of the highest rainfall levels in India. Mawsynram in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya is known as the world’s wettest place, with an annual rainfall of 11,873 mm, said environmentalist L. Namasivayam. Cherrapunji held the record earlier.S. Sivadas, Wildlife Warden of the Silent Valley National Park, told The Hindu here on Thursday that the Walakkad and the Poochippara areas had been recording the highest rainfall in the valley since 2000.Up to October this year, Poochippara received a rainfall of 7,639 mm and Walakkad, 5,931 mm. But Walakkad received more rain than Poochippara in most of these nine years. In 2006, Walakkad received the highest ever rainfall of 9,569.6 mm. In 2000, the figure was 7,788 mm; in 2001, 8,351.9 mm; in 2004, 8465.3 mm; and in 2005, 9,347.8 mm.In 2007, Poochippara received the highest ever rainfall of 8,093.7 mm. In 2004, the area received 7,020.1 mm; in 2005, 6,945.6 mm; and in 2006, 7650.8 mm.
The Sairandhri area, where a dam was proposed in the 1970s for the aborted Silent Valley hydroelectric project, also gets good rainfall. In 2004, the area received 5,005.2 mm; in 2005, 5,669 mm; in 2008, 4,507.9 mm; and up to October this year, 4,214.7 mm. The Neelikkal area received an annual rainfall of 5,715.1 mm in 2005;and 3,737.9 mm in 2008.Saby Varghese, Range Officer of the park, said the Silent Valley got continuous rain for six to seven months a year. In the remaining months, mist shrouds the valley, which is estimated to yield 15 per cent of the water generated in the rainforest, with both the north-east and south-west monsoons blessing the valley.
The Hindu, November 9th , 2009
Scientists discover 22 distant galaxies
A team of American and Japanese scientists have discovered 22 extremely distant galaxies which may have been born 787 million years after the Big Bang.
Researchers at Carnegie Observatories conducted the broadest survey to date of galaxies from about 800 million years after the Big Bang. They confirmed the age of one of the galaxies — by its hydrogen signature — at 787 million years post the Big Bang. “Since all the galaxies were found using the same dropout technique, they are likely to be of the same age,” said lead author Masami Ouchi. — PTI
The Hindu, November 8th , 2009
Researchers at Carnegie Observatories conducted the broadest survey to date of galaxies from about 800 million years after the Big Bang. They confirmed the age of one of the galaxies — by its hydrogen signature — at 787 million years post the Big Bang. “Since all the galaxies were found using the same dropout technique, they are likely to be of the same age,” said lead author Masami Ouchi. — PTI
The Hindu, November 8th , 2009
Hindus in U.K. launch ‘Bhumi Project’ to tackle climate change
Britain’s Hindu leaders have launched “Bhumi Project” to fight climate change.The plan follows a conference of faith leaders organised by the Alliance of Religions and Conservation, a charity set up by the Duke of Edinburgh to help religious groups develop their own environmental programmes.The conference, held at Windsor Castle earlier in the week and attended by representatives of the world’s leading religions, was addressed by U.N. Secretary-General Ban-ki Moon.In a statement, the Oxford Centre of Hindu Studies, whose director Shaunaka Rishi Das was closely involved in formulating the project, said that over the next nine years the “Bhumi Project” would implement a series of initiatives aimed at involving Hindus in protecting the planet.“Specific proposals include educating members of their own communities on best environmental practice; developing a Hindu labelling scheme for a range of products and services; helping all Hindu places of worship employ the highest standards of environmental practice; and partnering with conservation projects in India, such as those involved in cleaning the Ganges river,” it said.
Mr. Das said the Hindu tradition and history were replete with stories and references to “bhumi.”“We want to help Hindus re-learn these sacred teachings and find new relevance for them in the modern world,” he said.Neal Raithatha of the U.K. National Hindu Students Forum said: “Because there are 900 million Hindus worldwide, the environmental choices we make will have a significant impact on our climate. We must work in India in particular to ensure that increasing urbanisation and affluence do not put undue strain on the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage sites. We must make sure environmental destruction is not the price we pay for India’s economic growth.”
The Hindu, November 8th , 2009
Wayanad, hot spot of rare flora, shows up 3 new species
Wayanad district, a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, is a hot spot of rare flora in Kerala.
A study conducted by scientists of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) at Puthurvayal, near here, identified 2,034 flowering plants, including three new species — Miliusa wayanadica and Miliusa gokhalae, belonging to the Annonaceae family (custard apple family) and Oberonia swaminathanii of the orchid family.Two rare and endangered species, considered ‘possibly extinct,’ — Eugenia argentea and Hedyotis wyanadensis — were collected after 130 years. According to the study, 587 endemic species of plants and 175 orchids enriched the biodiversity of the district.
Ratheesh Narayanan, senior scientist, conducted the study under the direction of N. Anil Kumar, Director, MSSRF, and M. Sivadas, formerly Professor of Botany, Calicut University.Dr. Narayanan told The Hindu on Thursday that the study identified 2,034 flowering plants of the total 4,321 reported in the State. Wayanad district has the largest number of flowering plants in Kerala.Biodiversity, especially of orchids, was higher in Wayanad than in any other region of the State. As many as 108 species of orchids were identified in the Silent Valley region, he said.Oberonia swaminathanii is the new species belonging to the orchid family that was identified during the study. The plant was found in the Kurichiar Mala reserve forest area of the Kalpetta range.
The Hindu, November 8th , 2009
Mr. Das said the Hindu tradition and history were replete with stories and references to “bhumi.”“We want to help Hindus re-learn these sacred teachings and find new relevance for them in the modern world,” he said.Neal Raithatha of the U.K. National Hindu Students Forum said: “Because there are 900 million Hindus worldwide, the environmental choices we make will have a significant impact on our climate. We must work in India in particular to ensure that increasing urbanisation and affluence do not put undue strain on the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage sites. We must make sure environmental destruction is not the price we pay for India’s economic growth.”
The Hindu, November 8th , 2009
Wayanad, hot spot of rare flora, shows up 3 new species
Wayanad district, a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, is a hot spot of rare flora in Kerala.
A study conducted by scientists of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) at Puthurvayal, near here, identified 2,034 flowering plants, including three new species — Miliusa wayanadica and Miliusa gokhalae, belonging to the Annonaceae family (custard apple family) and Oberonia swaminathanii of the orchid family.Two rare and endangered species, considered ‘possibly extinct,’ — Eugenia argentea and Hedyotis wyanadensis — were collected after 130 years. According to the study, 587 endemic species of plants and 175 orchids enriched the biodiversity of the district.
Ratheesh Narayanan, senior scientist, conducted the study under the direction of N. Anil Kumar, Director, MSSRF, and M. Sivadas, formerly Professor of Botany, Calicut University.Dr. Narayanan told The Hindu on Thursday that the study identified 2,034 flowering plants of the total 4,321 reported in the State. Wayanad district has the largest number of flowering plants in Kerala.Biodiversity, especially of orchids, was higher in Wayanad than in any other region of the State. As many as 108 species of orchids were identified in the Silent Valley region, he said.Oberonia swaminathanii is the new species belonging to the orchid family that was identified during the study. The plant was found in the Kurichiar Mala reserve forest area of the Kalpetta range.
The Hindu, November 8th , 2009
Tahr population stable at Eravikulam
Conservation measures are paying rich dividends at the Eravikulam National Park in the form of a stable population of Nilgiri tahr, a mountain goat endemic to the southern Western Ghats. The latest tahr count, held during April and May, has put the population of the endangered species at 747.
Going by the official figures, the population has increased — from 686 in 2007 to 743 in 2008 and four more than that figure in 2009.The national park houses the largest surviving population of the animal, the authorities say. The tahr count was carried out in the 13 blocks in the park as mentioned in its management plan. Survey teams, consisting of members of non-governmental organisations, students of veterinary and forestry colleges, the field staff of the Forest Department and the Muthuvan tribal trackers, covered the park for five consecutive days. Rajan Varghese was the chief coordinator of the survey. The animals are relatively safe at the park, on the Kanan Devan Hills of the south Western Ghats in Devikulam taluk of Idukki district, say the survey team members.While accepting the survey figures, wildlife experts highlight the need for introducing new scientific methods for counting the population.
P.O. Nameer, assistant coordinator of the exercise, says aerial surveys using satellite-imaging can be one such method. The application of scientific measures will help in validating the population figures, says Dr. Nameer, the South Asian Coordinator of the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group of the Species Survival Commission, IUCN. E.A. Jayson, also an assistant coordinator, feels that it is time for taking a re-look at the present model of counting. Suggestions for introducing new models have been raised at appropriate forums. New methods need to be tried in the coming years for cross-checking and arriving at the exact figures, says Dr. Jayson, a wildlife expert at the Division of Wildlife Biology, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi.The present method of “bounded counts” was introduced back in the early 1980s. This needs to be replaced with new methods incorporating the advancements in science and technology, experts say.
The Hindu, November 6th , 2009
Going by the official figures, the population has increased — from 686 in 2007 to 743 in 2008 and four more than that figure in 2009.The national park houses the largest surviving population of the animal, the authorities say. The tahr count was carried out in the 13 blocks in the park as mentioned in its management plan. Survey teams, consisting of members of non-governmental organisations, students of veterinary and forestry colleges, the field staff of the Forest Department and the Muthuvan tribal trackers, covered the park for five consecutive days. Rajan Varghese was the chief coordinator of the survey. The animals are relatively safe at the park, on the Kanan Devan Hills of the south Western Ghats in Devikulam taluk of Idukki district, say the survey team members.While accepting the survey figures, wildlife experts highlight the need for introducing new scientific methods for counting the population.
P.O. Nameer, assistant coordinator of the exercise, says aerial surveys using satellite-imaging can be one such method. The application of scientific measures will help in validating the population figures, says Dr. Nameer, the South Asian Coordinator of the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group of the Species Survival Commission, IUCN. E.A. Jayson, also an assistant coordinator, feels that it is time for taking a re-look at the present model of counting. Suggestions for introducing new models have been raised at appropriate forums. New methods need to be tried in the coming years for cross-checking and arriving at the exact figures, says Dr. Jayson, a wildlife expert at the Division of Wildlife Biology, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi.The present method of “bounded counts” was introduced back in the early 1980s. This needs to be replaced with new methods incorporating the advancements in science and technology, experts say.
The Hindu, November 6th , 2009
Barn owls stolen from zoo
Two barn owls went missing from Thrissur Zoo on Wednesday. The birds were stolen after the lock of the cage was broken open. The officials noticed the theft in the morning during the regular inspection. The Town East police has registered case and started investigation.Smuggling of barn owls (Tyto alba), a protected species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, has been on the rise of late, according to forest officials. The birds, are suspected to be used for black magic, to bring luck in business. Rumours about these owls blood being effective to cure certain diseases such as asthma have put their life in jeopardy.According to unofficial sources, a bird would fetch between Rs.1 lakh and Rs.1.5 lakh. The practice of black magic is said to be common in north Indian States.
P.O. Nameer, Associate Professor (Wildlife) and Head of the Centre for Wildlife Studies College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, said that the barn owl was one of the commonest owls in the country. “They live near human habitations and feed on rats. A pair of owls on an average eats 10 rats a day. So they are in fact friends of farmers.”Whenever these birds were caught from human habitations, they were released into the forest. “But barn owls are not forest species,” Mr. Nameer noted.Barn owls have heart-shaped faces with marble-like eyes.They are also known as ghost owls and demon owls.
The Hindu, November 5th , 2009
P.O. Nameer, Associate Professor (Wildlife) and Head of the Centre for Wildlife Studies College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, said that the barn owl was one of the commonest owls in the country. “They live near human habitations and feed on rats. A pair of owls on an average eats 10 rats a day. So they are in fact friends of farmers.”Whenever these birds were caught from human habitations, they were released into the forest. “But barn owls are not forest species,” Mr. Nameer noted.Barn owls have heart-shaped faces with marble-like eyes.They are also known as ghost owls and demon owls.
The Hindu, November 5th , 2009
State to have spatial data facility
The government has announced the setting up of a spatial data infrastructure facility that will provide access to geospatial data for planning and decision-making at various levels.Named Kerala State Spatial Data Infrastructure (KSSDI), the geo portal will allow Internet users to search, locate and publish geospatial data. The web gateway will maintain, process, store, distribute and improve the utilisation of geo-spatial data for users and providers within the government as well as the commercial and non- profit sectors, academia and the public.
The facility is expected to pave the way for increased GIS applications.An official press note issued here said the KSSDI would be located adjacent to the new State Data Centre on the Technopark campus here.The government has invited proposals from consulting firms to establish a geo portal and clearing house for the SSDI on a turnkey basis.A sum of Rs. 937 lakh has been sanctioned for the five-year project.According to Dr.Ajay Kumar, secretary, IT, who headed a committee constituted by the government to study the proposal, the SSDI is the next logical step of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) set up at the national level. Kerala, he said, was one of the first States in the country to take the initiative forward.
The Hindu, November 5th , 2009
The facility is expected to pave the way for increased GIS applications.An official press note issued here said the KSSDI would be located adjacent to the new State Data Centre on the Technopark campus here.The government has invited proposals from consulting firms to establish a geo portal and clearing house for the SSDI on a turnkey basis.A sum of Rs. 937 lakh has been sanctioned for the five-year project.According to Dr.Ajay Kumar, secretary, IT, who headed a committee constituted by the government to study the proposal, the SSDI is the next logical step of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) set up at the national level. Kerala, he said, was one of the first States in the country to take the initiative forward.
The Hindu, November 5th , 2009
75,000-ha teak plantations to be made natural forest
Head of the State Forest Department and Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) T.M. Manoharan has said that the department will “revert 75,000 hectares of teak plantation in the State to natural forest without much tree felling in these plantations.”
Talking to The Hindu here on Tuesday he said that the 75,000 hectares would not include the teak plantations in wildlife sanctuaries like Parambikulam, where tree felling is banned by the Supreme Court. Mr. Manoharan said that only 20 per cent of the State’s forest could be classified as evergreen forest now. “More areas should come under this category to meet the challenges posed by climate change due to global warming. So, the department will try to create maximum forest cover by protecting the existing ones and by developing more areas,” he added. One third of the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, that is 90 sq. km, is under teak plantation. When the forest department began clearing teak trees a few years ago, the Supreme Court had ordered against it. So teak trees in Parambikulam cannot be felled, he said.
Teak plantations are ready for felling nearly 60 years after they are planted. In between there is thinning in the plantation, that is removal of a certain percentage of trees every five years, to help the growth of the remaining ones. Conversion of teak plantations to forest land would result in revenue loss. Also, regeneration of forests is a costly process. Hence, the State government would seek Central help in these efforts, Mr. Manoharan said.
The Hindu, November 4th , 2009
Talking to The Hindu here on Tuesday he said that the 75,000 hectares would not include the teak plantations in wildlife sanctuaries like Parambikulam, where tree felling is banned by the Supreme Court. Mr. Manoharan said that only 20 per cent of the State’s forest could be classified as evergreen forest now. “More areas should come under this category to meet the challenges posed by climate change due to global warming. So, the department will try to create maximum forest cover by protecting the existing ones and by developing more areas,” he added. One third of the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, that is 90 sq. km, is under teak plantation. When the forest department began clearing teak trees a few years ago, the Supreme Court had ordered against it. So teak trees in Parambikulam cannot be felled, he said.
Teak plantations are ready for felling nearly 60 years after they are planted. In between there is thinning in the plantation, that is removal of a certain percentage of trees every five years, to help the growth of the remaining ones. Conversion of teak plantations to forest land would result in revenue loss. Also, regeneration of forests is a costly process. Hence, the State government would seek Central help in these efforts, Mr. Manoharan said.
The Hindu, November 4th , 2009
Hydel project on TBGRI campus soon
The campus of the Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (TBGRI) at Palode, near here, will soon have a mini hydroelectric project. The construction of the dam and power generation unit is expected to begin in a few months.A. Subramoniam, Director, TBGRI, said the project was conceived to address the twin problems of water shortage during the summer months and frequent interruption in power supply.The run-of-the-river project will come up on the Chittar stream, a tributary of the Karamana river, that flows through the garden on the 300-acre campus. The garden is home to 3,500 species of flora, including trees, shrubs and plants.
The Chittar dries up during the hot summer months, making the maintenance of the garden difficult. The construction of the dam is expected to ensure enough water supply.The frequent interruption in power supply to the campus is a major problem for critical units such as the Biotechnology department, forcing the institute to depend on diesel generators that pollute the atmosphere.The Energy Management Centre, which studied the feasibility of the project, reported that the rocky land on the proposed site would be a good foundation for the dam. The project is estimated to cost between Rs.2 crore and Rs.3 crore.“The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Sources has agreed to part-fund the project. We expect the State government also to support the initiative. The 350-kW mini hydel project will not require submergence of land,” Mr. Subramoniam said.The proposed power generation unit includes two turbines of 175 kW each. The water after power generation will be diverted to the same stream for irrigating the garden.“Self-sufficiency in power and water has been a felt need for the institute. A green power unit without carbon dioxide emission is ideal for a botanic garden,” Mr. Subramoniam said.
The TBGRI has also submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, seeking permission to set up a garden for evergreen species, the first of its kind in the country. The project is estimated to cost Rs.2.5 crore.“The garden will try to simulate the unique environment of a tropical evergreen forest. It will be equipped with specialised equipment such as humidity chambers and walkways to attract visitors. We have plans to tie up with the Royal Kew Garden in the U.K. for the project that will help preserve the dwindling plant biodiversity in forests,” Mr. Subramoniam said.
“Simultaneously, we have drawn up plans to create a new botanic garden utilising the vacant land within the premises of the institute. The garden will be named after famous botanists,” Mr. Subramoniam added.
The Hindu, November 3rd , 2009
The Chittar dries up during the hot summer months, making the maintenance of the garden difficult. The construction of the dam is expected to ensure enough water supply.The frequent interruption in power supply to the campus is a major problem for critical units such as the Biotechnology department, forcing the institute to depend on diesel generators that pollute the atmosphere.The Energy Management Centre, which studied the feasibility of the project, reported that the rocky land on the proposed site would be a good foundation for the dam. The project is estimated to cost between Rs.2 crore and Rs.3 crore.“The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Sources has agreed to part-fund the project. We expect the State government also to support the initiative. The 350-kW mini hydel project will not require submergence of land,” Mr. Subramoniam said.The proposed power generation unit includes two turbines of 175 kW each. The water after power generation will be diverted to the same stream for irrigating the garden.“Self-sufficiency in power and water has been a felt need for the institute. A green power unit without carbon dioxide emission is ideal for a botanic garden,” Mr. Subramoniam said.
The TBGRI has also submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, seeking permission to set up a garden for evergreen species, the first of its kind in the country. The project is estimated to cost Rs.2.5 crore.“The garden will try to simulate the unique environment of a tropical evergreen forest. It will be equipped with specialised equipment such as humidity chambers and walkways to attract visitors. We have plans to tie up with the Royal Kew Garden in the U.K. for the project that will help preserve the dwindling plant biodiversity in forests,” Mr. Subramoniam said.
“Simultaneously, we have drawn up plans to create a new botanic garden utilising the vacant land within the premises of the institute. The garden will be named after famous botanists,” Mr. Subramoniam added.
The Hindu, November 3rd , 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - Search results
Three species were found during a recent search conducted at the IUCN red list website.
1. Fejervarya keralensis (Kerala Warty Frog)
2. Oziothelphusa kerala
3. Rattus ranjiniae (Ranjini’s Field Rat)
Link: http://sciencetwist.com/kerala/biodiversity
1. Fejervarya keralensis (Kerala Warty Frog)
2. Oziothelphusa kerala
3. Rattus ranjiniae (Ranjini’s Field Rat)
Link: http://sciencetwist.com/kerala/biodiversity
Friday, November 13, 2009
To ease drought, Chinese scientists make snowfall
The residents of China’s capital rose in surprise this weekend to a city blanketed by the heaviest snowfall seen in recent years and the earliest occurrence of snow since 1987.And for once, global warming was not to blame for the bizarre, unexpected change in weather — 186 rockets of silver iodide were.China’s weather-modifying meteorologists, who have already made headlines for their rain-dispersing achievements on display during last year’s Olympics, said on Monday they fired 186 doses of silver iodide into clouds on Saturday night to induce the snowfall.
The idea was to increase precipitation and bring relief to the drought-affected northern parts of the country.“We won’t miss any opportunity of artificial precipitation since Beijing is suffering from the lingering drought,” said Zhang Qiang, head of the Weather Modification Office. She said more than 16 million tonnes of snow had been “artificially added.”Vast areas across China, estimated at 800,000 hectares of farmland, have been suffering from drought this year, which has been especially severe in the north of the country.Officials said they had targeted clouds over drought-affected wheat growing areas to increase precipitation.Arid provinces like Anhui received over 1.5 inches of rainfall over the weekend, officials said, bringing much needed relief.
The weather modifying efforts seemingly worked, but almost too well. A cold front that descended over north China on Sunday resulted in more than expected snow and widespread disruptions to air and rail travel. In some areas, temperatures fell by more than 20 degrees Celsius overnight.In Beijing, more than a hundred flights were delayed, while some roads were snowed in, so not everyone was pleased. “My flight was delayed by five hours,” said Li Shen, a local who had to cancel her travel plans. “Maybe the weather office should pay for my plane tickets now.”
The Hindu, November 2nd , 2009
The idea was to increase precipitation and bring relief to the drought-affected northern parts of the country.“We won’t miss any opportunity of artificial precipitation since Beijing is suffering from the lingering drought,” said Zhang Qiang, head of the Weather Modification Office. She said more than 16 million tonnes of snow had been “artificially added.”Vast areas across China, estimated at 800,000 hectares of farmland, have been suffering from drought this year, which has been especially severe in the north of the country.Officials said they had targeted clouds over drought-affected wheat growing areas to increase precipitation.Arid provinces like Anhui received over 1.5 inches of rainfall over the weekend, officials said, bringing much needed relief.
The weather modifying efforts seemingly worked, but almost too well. A cold front that descended over north China on Sunday resulted in more than expected snow and widespread disruptions to air and rail travel. In some areas, temperatures fell by more than 20 degrees Celsius overnight.In Beijing, more than a hundred flights were delayed, while some roads were snowed in, so not everyone was pleased. “My flight was delayed by five hours,” said Li Shen, a local who had to cancel her travel plans. “Maybe the weather office should pay for my plane tickets now.”
The Hindu, November 2nd , 2009
Kuttanad will be a learning experience
Renowned agriculture scientist M.S. Swaminathan has said that Kuttanad is going to give the country the learning experience necessary to tackle rising sea-levels.Interacting with the media on the sidelines of the Sarada-Krishna-Satgamaya Foundation lecture on ‘Science, Public Policy and Food for All’ here on Monday, Dr. Swaminathan said the issue of climate change had added another dimension to the Kuttanad package of preparing for a higher sea level. Admitting that he was not aware of the present situation in the implementation of the Kuttanad package, Dr. Swaminathan said, “we were told that the government has given some projects to IIT Madras to develop the detailed plan a few months ago. I hope something is being done,” he said.Explaining that Kuttanad will be a globally important heritage site, Dr. Swaminathan said that it was a unique ecosystem. “And our project has given them detailed guidelines on what needs to be done. The Government of India had also assured funds. Now it is up to the State government to take action,” he said. Recommending that the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) should organise a separate all-India coordinated trial under its control of all genetically modified (GM) materials, Dr. Swaminathan said the safe and responsible use of biotechnology had to be controlled by a regulatory authority that enjoyed public, media and political confidence.
Pointing out that the country was yet to create the instruments to test how much was genetically modified, Dr. Swaminathan reminded that “technology is as good as we use it. With sea level rise, you need more salt water tolerant varieties,” he said.
The Hindu, November 2nd , 2009
Pointing out that the country was yet to create the instruments to test how much was genetically modified, Dr. Swaminathan reminded that “technology is as good as we use it. With sea level rise, you need more salt water tolerant varieties,” he said.
The Hindu, November 2nd , 2009
Rapid retreat of Tibet’s glaciers alarms researchers
Researchers in China have documented what they describe as the rapid retreat of glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau, the source of many of the subcontinent’s rivers, and warned of the dangers to the water supply and livelihoods of millions in India, downstream of these rivers.Research teams from Greenpeace China and Green Earth Volunteers, a Beijing-based group, have in recent weeks documented receding snowlines and extensive flooding in the upper reaches of several Himalayan rivers, as a result of increased glacial melts. In some areas of the Tibetan Plateau, the researchers found that snowlines had risen by more than three kilometres since 2001.“This year, there has been massive flooding in Qinghai province [in northwest China],” said Li Yan, a campaigner at Greenpeace China, which recently conducted a study of glacial melts near the sources of the Yellow and Yangtze rivers. “Glacial retreat on the plateau has been very obvious, and there is direct evidence that the glaciers are retreating very rapidly.”
Conservationists attribute the increased pace of glacial retreat this past decade to rising temperatures and global warming. Government officials, in China and India, have in the past downplayed the reports as alarmist. But in recent months, even former officials and government agencies in China have begun to voice their concerns more forcefully about the fate of the Tibetan Plateau’s glaciers.“Due to global warming, glaciers on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau are retreating extensively at a speed faster than in any other part of the world,” Qin Dahe, a former director of the China Meteorological Administration, said recently. “In the short term, this will cause lakes to expand and bring floods and mudflows. In the long run, glaciers are vital lifelines for Asian rivers such as the Indus and the Ganges. Once they vanish, water supplies in those regions will be in peril.”The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimates that Himalayan glaciers could disappear within three decades at current warming rates. A recent report by the Tibetan Plateau Climate Change Monitoring Service Program found that glaciers were receding by 131.4 sq.km every year, and snowlines were retreating 350 metres every year.
According to Mr. Qin, temperatures on the Tibetan Plateau were now rising four times faster than elsewhere in China. He warned of dire consequences, not just to China but across the subcontinent. “If vegetation cover on the plateau decreases, consequent absorption of solar radiation will change the intensity of summer monsoons in Asia,” he said. “This will bring drought to north India, and intensify floods in southern China and droughts in the north.”The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) estimates that glaciers have decreased by 7 per cent in the last four decades. Yao Tandong, director of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Research Institute of CAS, said in a recent interview with China’s state-run Xinhua news agency that the warming on the plateau had been “abrupt and exceptional” and it was “warmer now than at any time during the past 2000 years.”Earlier this year, entire villages in Qinghai had to be relocated because of massive flooding on a never-before-seen scale, which researchers said was a result of increased glacial melts. A glacial lake that researchers had observed in 2005 burst earlier this year, causing extensive damage to communities downstream in the Qinghai province. The glaciers of the Tibetan Plateau in Qinghai feed the Yellow and Yangtze rivers, which are crucial to the livelihoods of millions in China.
The Hindu, November 2nd , 2009
Conservationists attribute the increased pace of glacial retreat this past decade to rising temperatures and global warming. Government officials, in China and India, have in the past downplayed the reports as alarmist. But in recent months, even former officials and government agencies in China have begun to voice their concerns more forcefully about the fate of the Tibetan Plateau’s glaciers.“Due to global warming, glaciers on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau are retreating extensively at a speed faster than in any other part of the world,” Qin Dahe, a former director of the China Meteorological Administration, said recently. “In the short term, this will cause lakes to expand and bring floods and mudflows. In the long run, glaciers are vital lifelines for Asian rivers such as the Indus and the Ganges. Once they vanish, water supplies in those regions will be in peril.”The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimates that Himalayan glaciers could disappear within three decades at current warming rates. A recent report by the Tibetan Plateau Climate Change Monitoring Service Program found that glaciers were receding by 131.4 sq.km every year, and snowlines were retreating 350 metres every year.
According to Mr. Qin, temperatures on the Tibetan Plateau were now rising four times faster than elsewhere in China. He warned of dire consequences, not just to China but across the subcontinent. “If vegetation cover on the plateau decreases, consequent absorption of solar radiation will change the intensity of summer monsoons in Asia,” he said. “This will bring drought to north India, and intensify floods in southern China and droughts in the north.”The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) estimates that glaciers have decreased by 7 per cent in the last four decades. Yao Tandong, director of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Research Institute of CAS, said in a recent interview with China’s state-run Xinhua news agency that the warming on the plateau had been “abrupt and exceptional” and it was “warmer now than at any time during the past 2000 years.”Earlier this year, entire villages in Qinghai had to be relocated because of massive flooding on a never-before-seen scale, which researchers said was a result of increased glacial melts. A glacial lake that researchers had observed in 2005 burst earlier this year, causing extensive damage to communities downstream in the Qinghai province. The glaciers of the Tibetan Plateau in Qinghai feed the Yellow and Yangtze rivers, which are crucial to the livelihoods of millions in China.
The Hindu, November 2nd , 2009
High blood pressure among youth
Over the last two years, heart check up conducted at the Heart House on people above 25 years has indicated that 40 per cent of the people have high blood pressure, 37 per cent have high cholesterol and 25 per cent have diabetes.
These findings were presented by Jabir A., secretary of Cardiological Society of India, Kerala chapter, at the year’s annual conference held here on Sunday.
The Hindu, November 2nd , 2009
These findings were presented by Jabir A., secretary of Cardiological Society of India, Kerala chapter, at the year’s annual conference held here on Sunday.
The Hindu, November 2nd , 2009
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve to sport new features
The 321-sq.km. Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) near here will soon sport new features that are expected to strengthen conservation efforts and at the same time spur development.Come December the MTR will have an Eco-Shop.Disclosing this to The Hindu here, the Field Director of the reserve, Rajiv K. Srivastava, said that it will be run by an Eco-Development Committee comprising tribals on the lines of a souvenir shop.Apart from items which espouse the cause of wildlife conservation, it will sell the products of various tribal communities including Kurumbas, Todas and Kotas.Stating that by early January another tribal Eco-Development Committee will start conducting eco-camps at places like Pudhu Natham and Chemanatham, Mr. Srivastava said that awareness about nature will be created by organising various activities like treks.Another tribal committee will promote rural tourism in places near the MTR like Bhoodhanatham and Kurumbarpadi. It will include bullock cart rides and ethnic food.Stating that the aim is to relieve congestion within the MTR, he said that over the years the inflow of tourists has been steadily rising.
From 94,945 visitors including foreigners in 1995-96 it went up to 1,20,402 during 2005-2006 and last year it was 1,63,610.There is also a proposal to set up a children’s park and two plants to produce vermicompost.By organising such activities the pressure on the MTR will come down and the livelihood status of the tribals residing in or near the forests will move up.He added that finishing touches are being given to a new reception centre and a new interpretation centre near Theppakadu.
The Hindu, November 2nd , 2009
From 94,945 visitors including foreigners in 1995-96 it went up to 1,20,402 during 2005-2006 and last year it was 1,63,610.There is also a proposal to set up a children’s park and two plants to produce vermicompost.By organising such activities the pressure on the MTR will come down and the livelihood status of the tribals residing in or near the forests will move up.He added that finishing touches are being given to a new reception centre and a new interpretation centre near Theppakadu.
The Hindu, November 2nd , 2009
Scientific management of disasters vital
Scientific disaster management programmes should be initiated in the State to check the loss of lives on such occasions, say experts. P.V. Joseph, former director of the Indian Meteorological Department, has said that a technical evaluation of the cyclone risk should be done when it comes to issues related to cyclone pre-disaster planning in coastal areas.Assessment of the vulnerability of the population to stated intensity of cyclone is another step. We should also establish structural design codes, regulatory controls and safety standards with legislation to encourage public adherence, Prof. Joseph said. He said that educational programmes to gain community acceptance of the costs of cyclone disaster mitigation should also be organised, as a fourth step in the cyclone pre-disaster planning.
Stating that the country was equipped in monitoring cyclones continuously, Prof. Joseph said the nation has a network of 10 cyclone detection radars along the east and west coasts to monitor the cyclones when they come to one day striking distance from our coast. Our country has developed operational storm surge prediction computer models to enable timely evacuation of the coastal population to safer areas when severe cyclones threaten the coasts, he said.Prof. Joseph also said the country has a very advanced space programme, which is being used for cyclone warning dissemination and disaster mitigation. K.T. Damodaran, former director of the School of Marine Sciences at the Cochin University of Science and Technology, said disasters are very chaotic in nature. On many occasions, the death toll and the extent of damage to property become exaggerated. People should stop spreading rumours, he said.Referring to the impact of tsunamis, Dr. Damodaran said all earthquakes need not cause tsunamis.If you are living in the coastal region and hear that an earthquake has occurred under the sea, wait for the tsunami warning. Approaching tsunami is always preceded by a fall-back in coastal waters. This is Nature’s tsunami warning and should be heeded, he said.
The Hindu, November 1st , 2009
Stating that the country was equipped in monitoring cyclones continuously, Prof. Joseph said the nation has a network of 10 cyclone detection radars along the east and west coasts to monitor the cyclones when they come to one day striking distance from our coast. Our country has developed operational storm surge prediction computer models to enable timely evacuation of the coastal population to safer areas when severe cyclones threaten the coasts, he said.Prof. Joseph also said the country has a very advanced space programme, which is being used for cyclone warning dissemination and disaster mitigation. K.T. Damodaran, former director of the School of Marine Sciences at the Cochin University of Science and Technology, said disasters are very chaotic in nature. On many occasions, the death toll and the extent of damage to property become exaggerated. People should stop spreading rumours, he said.Referring to the impact of tsunamis, Dr. Damodaran said all earthquakes need not cause tsunamis.If you are living in the coastal region and hear that an earthquake has occurred under the sea, wait for the tsunami warning. Approaching tsunami is always preceded by a fall-back in coastal waters. This is Nature’s tsunami warning and should be heeded, he said.
The Hindu, November 1st , 2009
Emergency centre to handle disasters
The Revenue and Disaster Management Department plans to set up an emergency operations centre linked to the office of the State Disaster Management Authority to handle various kinds of disasters. This will ensure effective decision making and management of disasters under unified command.
The State Disaster Management Policy envisages that the department be the nodal department for management of all types of natural disasters, including water and climate-related disasters and geological disasters. The scope of the department has been enhanced to include prevention, mitigation and preparedness aspects of disaster management, apart from its traditional role in relief and rehabilitation.
The Home Department will be the nodal department for management of man-made and human induced disasters, including air and rail accidents. The Department of Public Health will be the nodal department for chemical, biological (health related), radiological and nuclear disasters. The Factories and Boilers Department will be the nodal department for industrial accidents and it will work in tandem with the Industries Department in the event of a disaster. The Agricultural Department will deal with pest attacks and cattle epidemics will be handled by the Animal Husbandry Department. The Irrigation and the Public Works departments will be the lead agencies for disasters related to dam bursts and major building collapse, respectively. The Forest Department will be the nodal department for disasters such as forest fire.An institutional mechanism distinguished as ‘Crisis Management Group,’ under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary with representatives of Home Department, including the Police; the Revenue and Disaster Management Department; and the Health Department; will function at the State level as a nerve centre to support, coordinate and monitor crisis management activities. ‘Crisis Management Plans’ that clearly define response roles and responsibilities of government agencies, facilitate communication across agencies, specify protocols and procedures, and detail actions to be taken by the government departments will be prepared and made operational by the State government.In addition to the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, emergency operation centres will function under the nodal departments and district collectors. They will be designed in such a way as to promptly assess and relay information to the parties concerned. “As the master coordinator and control point for all disaster efforts, the EOC is the place of decision making and effective implementation under a unified command. The EOC will function round the clock and maintain direct linkage with district control rooms through phone, fax, wireless and the Internet. The State Disaster Management Authority will ensure that a comprehensive information network is available for timely collection of hazard-related information and rapid dissemination of relevant information and warnings,” the policy says.The policy further suggests that disaster management shall be included as an integral part of development plans of the State. Disaster risk analysis and audit and environment impact analysis shall be introduced as a binding requirement for development and infrastructure programmes.A batch of officials from the police and the Fire and Rescue Services completed training in disaster management at the Institute of Land and Disaster Management here on Friday.
The Hindu, November 1st , 2009
The State Disaster Management Policy envisages that the department be the nodal department for management of all types of natural disasters, including water and climate-related disasters and geological disasters. The scope of the department has been enhanced to include prevention, mitigation and preparedness aspects of disaster management, apart from its traditional role in relief and rehabilitation.
The Home Department will be the nodal department for management of man-made and human induced disasters, including air and rail accidents. The Department of Public Health will be the nodal department for chemical, biological (health related), radiological and nuclear disasters. The Factories and Boilers Department will be the nodal department for industrial accidents and it will work in tandem with the Industries Department in the event of a disaster. The Agricultural Department will deal with pest attacks and cattle epidemics will be handled by the Animal Husbandry Department. The Irrigation and the Public Works departments will be the lead agencies for disasters related to dam bursts and major building collapse, respectively. The Forest Department will be the nodal department for disasters such as forest fire.An institutional mechanism distinguished as ‘Crisis Management Group,’ under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary with representatives of Home Department, including the Police; the Revenue and Disaster Management Department; and the Health Department; will function at the State level as a nerve centre to support, coordinate and monitor crisis management activities. ‘Crisis Management Plans’ that clearly define response roles and responsibilities of government agencies, facilitate communication across agencies, specify protocols and procedures, and detail actions to be taken by the government departments will be prepared and made operational by the State government.In addition to the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, emergency operation centres will function under the nodal departments and district collectors. They will be designed in such a way as to promptly assess and relay information to the parties concerned. “As the master coordinator and control point for all disaster efforts, the EOC is the place of decision making and effective implementation under a unified command. The EOC will function round the clock and maintain direct linkage with district control rooms through phone, fax, wireless and the Internet. The State Disaster Management Authority will ensure that a comprehensive information network is available for timely collection of hazard-related information and rapid dissemination of relevant information and warnings,” the policy says.The policy further suggests that disaster management shall be included as an integral part of development plans of the State. Disaster risk analysis and audit and environment impact analysis shall be introduced as a binding requirement for development and infrastructure programmes.A batch of officials from the police and the Fire and Rescue Services completed training in disaster management at the Institute of Land and Disaster Management here on Friday.
The Hindu, November 1st , 2009
Kallaperambur lake gets a facelift
The Grand Anicut Canal and the Kallaperambur lake in the district have been given a facelift utilising funds sanctioned under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).While modernisation of the canal had been done on a major scale using Rs. 250 crore from the fund, the lake had been improved using Rs.4.27 crore.After desilting, strengthening of bunds and improvements to the inlet Ananda Cauvery channel, water was now being stored to the tank’s full capacity of 1.25 metres.The channel had been desilted to a distance of 22 km and a retaining wall constructed at Ayanavaram where the canal used to breach during floods every year.
Eight sluices along the canal had been renovated.“The lake was losing its water retention capacity due to silt. We could take up samba transplantation in this area this time easily,” said farmers from Kallaperambur, Thennankudi, Seeralur and Sakkarasamandham, who were benefited by the lake. The lake had an ayacut of 6,004 acres.Union Minister of State for Finance S. S. Palani Manickam recently visited the lake along with PWD engineers who executed the work.There was a proposal for declaring the lake a bird sanctuary as many winged visitors arrived here.According to Thirunavukarasu, Wildlife Warden, Nagapattinam, 35 species of birds visited the lake. They include Open Bill Stork, three types of egrets, darter, cormorants, White Ibis, ducks, teals, Grey Heron, Pond Heron and pelicans.“Declaration of the lake as a bird sanctuary has to be done by the Government. Now we are appointing two bird protection watchers,” Mr. Thirunavukarasu said. Improvements executed by the PWD would help attract more winged visitors.
The Hindu, November 1st , 2009
Eight sluices along the canal had been renovated.“The lake was losing its water retention capacity due to silt. We could take up samba transplantation in this area this time easily,” said farmers from Kallaperambur, Thennankudi, Seeralur and Sakkarasamandham, who were benefited by the lake. The lake had an ayacut of 6,004 acres.Union Minister of State for Finance S. S. Palani Manickam recently visited the lake along with PWD engineers who executed the work.There was a proposal for declaring the lake a bird sanctuary as many winged visitors arrived here.According to Thirunavukarasu, Wildlife Warden, Nagapattinam, 35 species of birds visited the lake. They include Open Bill Stork, three types of egrets, darter, cormorants, White Ibis, ducks, teals, Grey Heron, Pond Heron and pelicans.“Declaration of the lake as a bird sanctuary has to be done by the Government. Now we are appointing two bird protection watchers,” Mr. Thirunavukarasu said. Improvements executed by the PWD would help attract more winged visitors.
The Hindu, November 1st , 2009
Sand-mining banned in Idukki
The Kerala High Court has banned river sand-mining in Idukki district.Justice Thottathil B. Radhakrishnan issued an order in this regard on Thursday on a writ petition filed by Upputhara panchayat, Idukki. The panchayat approached the court seeking an order for the intervention of the Idukki District Collector and District Superintendent of Police for checking the illegal sand-mining from Thapasi Kadavu owned by it.Neither the government nor the Collector had issued any guidelines regarding sand-mining. Therefore, there could be no mining of river sand from any part of the river flowing through the district, particularly within the territory of the panchayat, the order said.The guidelines for sand-mining are issued on a year-to-year basis. Uniform regulatory directions may not be feasible for the entire State. In this case, the District Collector had not issued any directive for the regulation of sand-mining or for the sale of river sand for the current year, the order said.
The Collector and the District Superintendent of Police should ensure that there was no removal of sand from any of the rivers flowing within the territory of the Upputhara panchayat, particularly Thapasi Kadavu of the Periyar. This prohibition and enforcement would continue till the District Expert Committee on sand-mining considered the matter and issued guidelines providing for an appropriate regulatory mechanism for distribution of sand, the order said.The District Collector should ensure that the expert committee meeting was convened at the earliest keeping in mind the urgency of the situation, the court said.The local bodies are bound to supervise the sale and auction of sand from all Kadavus. It is expected to assist the Collector in confiscating the implement, tools and boats used for unauthorised removal of sand. Section 252 (1) of the Kerala Panchayat Raj rule provides that it shall be the duty of any police officer to assist the local body if its president or secretary demands in writing for such an assistance and it shall be lawful for the president or the secretary to require the intervention of the police, the court said. Refusal of any police officer or omission to perform such a duty is an offence punishable under the Section 41 of the Kerala Police Act 1960, the court said.
The Hindu, 30th October 2009
The Collector and the District Superintendent of Police should ensure that there was no removal of sand from any of the rivers flowing within the territory of the Upputhara panchayat, particularly Thapasi Kadavu of the Periyar. This prohibition and enforcement would continue till the District Expert Committee on sand-mining considered the matter and issued guidelines providing for an appropriate regulatory mechanism for distribution of sand, the order said.The District Collector should ensure that the expert committee meeting was convened at the earliest keeping in mind the urgency of the situation, the court said.The local bodies are bound to supervise the sale and auction of sand from all Kadavus. It is expected to assist the Collector in confiscating the implement, tools and boats used for unauthorised removal of sand. Section 252 (1) of the Kerala Panchayat Raj rule provides that it shall be the duty of any police officer to assist the local body if its president or secretary demands in writing for such an assistance and it shall be lawful for the president or the secretary to require the intervention of the police, the court said. Refusal of any police officer or omission to perform such a duty is an offence punishable under the Section 41 of the Kerala Police Act 1960, the court said.
The Hindu, 30th October 2009
Matsyafed develops chitone capsules to counter obesity
Matsyafed, (Kerala State Cooperative Federation for Fisheries Development Ltd.) has developed chitone capsules, a natural chitosan product that can be used to counter obesity/overweight and high blood cholesterol level.Commercial production has already begun at the chitosan plant of the Matsyafed at Neendakara in Kollam.The over-the-counter (OTC) chitone capsules will hit Indian markets by early December 2009.The plant has capacity to produce 1.5 lakh capsules a day. Conventionally, chitosan is extracted from the exoskeleton of arthropods, including shell fishes.
The chitosan used for commercial production of chitone capsules by Matsyafed is extracted hygienically from exoskeleton of fresh marine prawns, crabs and lobsters.The federation has an agreement with the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Kochi, for technical collaboration for extraction of chitosan and quality control in the production of chitone capsules.The extracted chitosan is subjected to de-acetylation, a molecular re-arrangement process for removing the acetyl group to form unsaturated molecules of chitosan with a highly positive ionic structure and a very strong chelating property.Several studies, clinical as well as toxicological have proven that chitosan is the most efficient and safe fat-absorbing fibre present in nature.These studies have revealed that chitosan is a non-toxic, well tolerated effective natural product that helps to achieve weight reduction, normal BP and blood cholesterol reduction (LDL).The federation is getting tremendous response from drug distributors across the country to market the product. It will finalise a few dealers shortly, at the national level.The federation will also market chitone capsules through the outlets of cooperative federations in the State.With the finalisation of this mutli-layer dealership network, the federation could ensure availability of this dietary supplement in all parts of the State.
The Hindu, 30th October 2009
The chitosan used for commercial production of chitone capsules by Matsyafed is extracted hygienically from exoskeleton of fresh marine prawns, crabs and lobsters.The federation has an agreement with the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Kochi, for technical collaboration for extraction of chitosan and quality control in the production of chitone capsules.The extracted chitosan is subjected to de-acetylation, a molecular re-arrangement process for removing the acetyl group to form unsaturated molecules of chitosan with a highly positive ionic structure and a very strong chelating property.Several studies, clinical as well as toxicological have proven that chitosan is the most efficient and safe fat-absorbing fibre present in nature.These studies have revealed that chitosan is a non-toxic, well tolerated effective natural product that helps to achieve weight reduction, normal BP and blood cholesterol reduction (LDL).The federation is getting tremendous response from drug distributors across the country to market the product. It will finalise a few dealers shortly, at the national level.The federation will also market chitone capsules through the outlets of cooperative federations in the State.With the finalisation of this mutli-layer dealership network, the federation could ensure availability of this dietary supplement in all parts of the State.
The Hindu, 30th October 2009
Science Congress in January
The 22nd session of the Kerala Science Congress will be held at the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), Peechi, from January 28 to 31, 2010. The special theme for the Science Congress is ‘Intellectual Property Rights and Development: A National Perspective.’The technical sessions of the congress will be led by experts in various fields, executive vice-president of the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) Dr. E.P. Yesodharan and Principal Scientific Officer Dr. V. Ajith Prabhu told a press conference here on Thursday.Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan is scheduled to inaugurate the congress on January 28.The four-day event includes presentation of research papers, invited talks, presentations by experts on the focal theme, poster presentations and presentations by the State-level winners of the Children Science Congress. More than 500 scientific research papers are expected to be presented and discussed in the meet.
The contributed papers in the Science Congress will be grouped under 11 different subject areas, namely agricultural, fisheries and veterinary Sciences, biotechnology, chemical sciences and technology, earth system science & geo-informatics, engineering science, information technology and computer science, environmental science including forestry and wildlife, health science, life science, and physical science. The Young Scientist Award will be given to the best paper in each of the 11 subject areas to encourage young scientific talent. The national-level winners of the Children Science Congress will be felicitated and given an opportunity to present their project works before the scientific forum.
There will be three memorial lectures in honour of eminent scientists, namely P.T. Bhaskara Panicker, P.K. Gopalakrishnan and P.R. Pisharoty.The Congress will also showcase various institutions and their achievements. The last date for submission of extended abstracts is November 30.Dr. Yesodharan is the president of the 22nd Kerala Science Congress and Prof. (Dr.) R.V.G. Menon, the chairman of the organising committee. Dr. Ajit Prabhu V is the convener of the Science Congress Committee and Dr. K.V. Sankaran, Director, KFRI, is the general convener of the organising committee. The event is cosponsored by the Union Department of Science and Technology.Details on the 22nd Kerala Science Congress will be available on the web site www.ksc.kerala.gov.in
The Hindu, 30th October 2009
The contributed papers in the Science Congress will be grouped under 11 different subject areas, namely agricultural, fisheries and veterinary Sciences, biotechnology, chemical sciences and technology, earth system science & geo-informatics, engineering science, information technology and computer science, environmental science including forestry and wildlife, health science, life science, and physical science. The Young Scientist Award will be given to the best paper in each of the 11 subject areas to encourage young scientific talent. The national-level winners of the Children Science Congress will be felicitated and given an opportunity to present their project works before the scientific forum.
There will be three memorial lectures in honour of eminent scientists, namely P.T. Bhaskara Panicker, P.K. Gopalakrishnan and P.R. Pisharoty.The Congress will also showcase various institutions and their achievements. The last date for submission of extended abstracts is November 30.Dr. Yesodharan is the president of the 22nd Kerala Science Congress and Prof. (Dr.) R.V.G. Menon, the chairman of the organising committee. Dr. Ajit Prabhu V is the convener of the Science Congress Committee and Dr. K.V. Sankaran, Director, KFRI, is the general convener of the organising committee. The event is cosponsored by the Union Department of Science and Technology.Details on the 22nd Kerala Science Congress will be available on the web site www.ksc.kerala.gov.in
The Hindu, 30th October 2009
Databank on paddy fields in Idukki to be prepared
As part of the State-wide project, the Agriculture Department along with the Revenue Department is preparing a village-level databank on paddy fields in the district.K.K. Chandran, Principal Agriculture Officer, on Wednesday, told The Hindu that though the exact data on the present status of the paddy fields in the district is not available, more areas have been brought under paddy cultivation, thanks to the various schemes that were introduced.He said that the important trend of the district is the paddy cultivation in non-paddy fields (karanellu krishi) is gaining popularity among farmers.The low-lying areas conducive for paddy cultivation in the district is less and paddy fields are affected by the poor groundwater level.About 140 hectares of land has been brought under the ‘karanellu krishi’ with Kanthallur panchayat taking the lead.Farmers usually don’t cultivate paddy due to high labour charge and non-availability of workers. But now Kudumbasree and other micro-level joint groups turned to cultivation either on leased paddy fields or on farmland owned by its members.
The aim of the date bank is to not only collect details of paddy fields under cultivation, but also the details of paddy fields that were converted for cultivation other crops, and fields that have been filled for other purposes.The agriculture officer along with the village officer will make a field study in each panchayat on the basis of the village registry and the data will be submitted to the government for compiling the State-wide data bank.The project is aimed at promoting rice cultivation. The officials will compile the material for the data bank, which will be released by November 30.
It will be available in each grama pachayat and a campaign will be launched to promote rice cultivation.Though, farmers brought more areas under rice cultivation from sugarcane cultivation in Marayur and Kanthallur grama panchayats when the prices of jaggery fell, many paddy fields are not cultivated in grama panchayats like Erattayar, Adimaly, Kumily and Rajakkad.
The Hindu, 29th October 2009
The aim of the date bank is to not only collect details of paddy fields under cultivation, but also the details of paddy fields that were converted for cultivation other crops, and fields that have been filled for other purposes.The agriculture officer along with the village officer will make a field study in each panchayat on the basis of the village registry and the data will be submitted to the government for compiling the State-wide data bank.The project is aimed at promoting rice cultivation. The officials will compile the material for the data bank, which will be released by November 30.
It will be available in each grama pachayat and a campaign will be launched to promote rice cultivation.Though, farmers brought more areas under rice cultivation from sugarcane cultivation in Marayur and Kanthallur grama panchayats when the prices of jaggery fell, many paddy fields are not cultivated in grama panchayats like Erattayar, Adimaly, Kumily and Rajakkad.
The Hindu, 29th October 2009
Alien spider species spotted
A brown widow spider belonging to the widow spider group was spotted at Thiruvalla recently.
It was an adult female spider. The spider collected by Manoj Thomas, a medical practitioner, was identified by Samson Davis and P.A. Sebastian, of the Spider Lab of the Sacred Heart College, Thevara.The specimen is being kept at the lab of the college. The creature might have been accidentally introduced to the State and more research needs to be carried on the species, said Mr. Davis, who is also the head of the Zoology Department of the College.Widow spiders are highly poisonous and the black widow spiders found in North America and West Indies are poisonous enough to kill human beings. Though the poison of the brown widow is supposed to be more toxic than that of the black widow, the dose of poison it can inject at a time is very little and has only localised action. The brown spider is not very aggressive, does not defend its web and bites are not common. Hence, one need not be afraid of this spider, said Mr. Davis. The colour intensity of brown widows ranges from light tan to dark brown.They may also have a red broken stripe or a series of white spots along the top of the abdomen with parallel rows of black spots on either side of the stripe.There is an orange hourglass mark on the underside of the abdomen. The head is usually dark brown. Legs are usually tanned and black banded, Mr. Davis said.The spider lab of the college focuses mainly on taxonomical studies and also bio-control of agricultural pests.
The Hindu, 29th October 2009
It was an adult female spider. The spider collected by Manoj Thomas, a medical practitioner, was identified by Samson Davis and P.A. Sebastian, of the Spider Lab of the Sacred Heart College, Thevara.The specimen is being kept at the lab of the college. The creature might have been accidentally introduced to the State and more research needs to be carried on the species, said Mr. Davis, who is also the head of the Zoology Department of the College.Widow spiders are highly poisonous and the black widow spiders found in North America and West Indies are poisonous enough to kill human beings. Though the poison of the brown widow is supposed to be more toxic than that of the black widow, the dose of poison it can inject at a time is very little and has only localised action. The brown spider is not very aggressive, does not defend its web and bites are not common. Hence, one need not be afraid of this spider, said Mr. Davis. The colour intensity of brown widows ranges from light tan to dark brown.They may also have a red broken stripe or a series of white spots along the top of the abdomen with parallel rows of black spots on either side of the stripe.There is an orange hourglass mark on the underside of the abdomen. The head is usually dark brown. Legs are usually tanned and black banded, Mr. Davis said.The spider lab of the college focuses mainly on taxonomical studies and also bio-control of agricultural pests.
The Hindu, 29th October 2009
Biodiversity registers in all grama panchayats by 2012
All grama panchayats in the State will document their biodiversity resources and traditional wisdom in another three years.The documentation through the people’s biodiversity registers is being undertaken by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board.At present, the preparation of the registry is progressing in 24 panchayats and this will be extended to the rest of the local bodies, said V.S. Vijayan, Chairman of the board.The board plans to complete the job by the end of the 11th Plan period in 2012. There are 999 panchayats in the State.
The format prepared by the board for collecting and compiling the information on biodiversity of the local panchayats will be reviewed and fine-tuned, he said.The preparation of the registers is one of the mandates of the board. Each register will act as an inventory of the biodiversity and people’s knowledge associated with the bio-resources of a locality. The register will serve as the key document for the protection and conservation of the biodiversity and related traditional knowledge.
The traditional knowledge covers the ancient wisdom on uses and applications of biodiversity resources which are passed on to generations by word of mouth and practice.
Public informationThe registers will be published so that the information in them will be there in the public domain. However, rare and valuable information will be published only at a stage when the community from which the information is generated will benefit from its use, Dr. Vijayan said.The biodiversity management committees should be entrusted with the right to give permission for the use of biodiversity resources in their respective areas. At present, the committees are enjoying only consultancy status and this should be changed.
The Kerala Biodiversity Rules envisage the formation of the committees in all local bodies of the State. The key responsibility of each committee will be to ensure the “conservation, sustainable use and equitable sharing of benefits arising from biodiversity” within its jurisdiction.The committees have the responsibility to facilitate the preparation of the registers at the levels of the district, block and village panchayats, the municipality and the Corporation.Earlier, a register of all panchayats in Ernakulam district was formed as a people’s initiative. The registers need to be updated regularly and stored in electronic format, Dr. Vijayan said.
The Hindu, 29th October 2009
The format prepared by the board for collecting and compiling the information on biodiversity of the local panchayats will be reviewed and fine-tuned, he said.The preparation of the registers is one of the mandates of the board. Each register will act as an inventory of the biodiversity and people’s knowledge associated with the bio-resources of a locality. The register will serve as the key document for the protection and conservation of the biodiversity and related traditional knowledge.
The traditional knowledge covers the ancient wisdom on uses and applications of biodiversity resources which are passed on to generations by word of mouth and practice.
Public informationThe registers will be published so that the information in them will be there in the public domain. However, rare and valuable information will be published only at a stage when the community from which the information is generated will benefit from its use, Dr. Vijayan said.The biodiversity management committees should be entrusted with the right to give permission for the use of biodiversity resources in their respective areas. At present, the committees are enjoying only consultancy status and this should be changed.
The Kerala Biodiversity Rules envisage the formation of the committees in all local bodies of the State. The key responsibility of each committee will be to ensure the “conservation, sustainable use and equitable sharing of benefits arising from biodiversity” within its jurisdiction.The committees have the responsibility to facilitate the preparation of the registers at the levels of the district, block and village panchayats, the municipality and the Corporation.Earlier, a register of all panchayats in Ernakulam district was formed as a people’s initiative. The registers need to be updated regularly and stored in electronic format, Dr. Vijayan said.
The Hindu, 29th October 2009
Dam not quake-proof
A structural stability analysis of the Mullaperiyar dam conducted by the Department of Earthquake Engineering of the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkie, has concluded that the main Mullaperiyar dam and the baby dam are likely to face damage in the event of an earthquake. Such damage may lead to failure of the dam. In the case of the main dam, damage is predicted in the event of an earthquake of the magnitude of 6.5 on the Richter Scale in the vicinity of dam (within 16 km) when the reservoir level is at 136 feet. The baby dam is found to be safe for a reservoir level of 155 feet. However, it would also be unsafe under probable maximum flood conditions when the reservoir level would rise up to 160.22 feet. The Kerala government will present the (final) report of the IIT team before the Supreme Court during the hearing on a case filed by Tamil Nadu challenging the storage limit of 136 feet for the Mullaperiyar reservoir fixed by Kerala through an enactment.
The report said that at a reservoir level of 136 feet, the tensile stresses induced by the earthquake on the dam heel would be more than double the permissible value. The value was evaluated on the basis of data supplied by the Kerala Water Resources Department on average ultimate tensile strength of random rubble masonry employed in the construction of the dam. Most of the values adopted for material properties were based on a test conducted some 20 to 25 years ago.The report noted that the dam would have undergone considerable deterioration during the intervening period because of ageing and weathering.As such, the assumed parameters might be naturally higher than the in-situ condition. Proper assessment of existing material properties is very important for safety assessment. So, further testing on the dam and its foundation materials is recommended, it said.The IIT team remarked that the Mullaperiyar dam was a high-hazard dam as per the criteria fixed by the Central Water Commission (CWC). However, neither the Commission nor an expert committee appointed earlier had carried out any dynamic analysis, taking into consideration the present actual in-situ properties of the structure, its foundation, geology and the site-specific seismic parameters. They had concluded that the dam was safe, following a simple pseudo-statistical method of analysis.The earthquake coefficient taken by the CWC for the stability analysis of the Mullaperiyar dam was only 0.1g while the Indian standard recommended 0.18g.
The Hindu, 28th October 2009
The report said that at a reservoir level of 136 feet, the tensile stresses induced by the earthquake on the dam heel would be more than double the permissible value. The value was evaluated on the basis of data supplied by the Kerala Water Resources Department on average ultimate tensile strength of random rubble masonry employed in the construction of the dam. Most of the values adopted for material properties were based on a test conducted some 20 to 25 years ago.The report noted that the dam would have undergone considerable deterioration during the intervening period because of ageing and weathering.As such, the assumed parameters might be naturally higher than the in-situ condition. Proper assessment of existing material properties is very important for safety assessment. So, further testing on the dam and its foundation materials is recommended, it said.The IIT team remarked that the Mullaperiyar dam was a high-hazard dam as per the criteria fixed by the Central Water Commission (CWC). However, neither the Commission nor an expert committee appointed earlier had carried out any dynamic analysis, taking into consideration the present actual in-situ properties of the structure, its foundation, geology and the site-specific seismic parameters. They had concluded that the dam was safe, following a simple pseudo-statistical method of analysis.The earthquake coefficient taken by the CWC for the stability analysis of the Mullaperiyar dam was only 0.1g while the Indian standard recommended 0.18g.
The Hindu, 28th October 2009
Experts flag issues in removal of reservoir sand
The move by the district panchayat to desilt the Aruvikkara reservoir and use the extracted sand for construction has led to concerns about the impact of the project on public health and the environment.
Experts fear that desilting the reservoir, the only drinking water source for the greater Thiruvananthapuram area, is fraught with danger, unless preceded by an extensive scientific investigation and done with proper safeguards and regulations. They point out that the copious quantity of water required for washing the sediment and separating the sand from silt and clay will be unaffordable for a city that faces an acute shortage of drinking water, especially during summer.K.P. Thrivikramji, former Head of the Department of Geology, University of Kerala, says the potential sand reserve in the reservoir has not been assessed scientifically. The estimated sediment deposit of 80,000 cubic metres is based on 10-year-old data. “Sand makes up only 20-30 per cent of the total accumulated sediment deposit in a reservoir. This works out to sand deposits of 16,000 to 24,000 cubic metres (2,666 to 4,000 tipper-lorry loads) only,” he said.Dr. Thrivikramji feels that manual removal of silt, as proposed by the Aruvikkara panchayat, is unsuited for the reservoir.
“Manual extraction is time-consuming and raises the risk of contaminating the drinking water source for an extended period. Suction dredgers which cause the least or minimum disturbance to the water should be used for desiltation,” he says.He points to the problem in disposing of contaminated water used for washing and removing the sand from the silt and clay deposits. “How do we keep this water away from the distribution network? How will the residues be disposed of,” he asks.R. Sridhar, activist of the city-based environmental group Thanal, says the absence of regulation in extraction of sand from reservoirs and its sale will result in a free-for-all. “The government will have to decide who is going to get the sand and how it is to be apportioned,” he says.Mr. Sridhar fears that even a government company entrusted with the operation is likely to outsource the job, making regulation difficult. “Controlled dredging will become impossible,” he points out.
Another issue pointed out by Dr. Thrivikramji is the likely public health hazard caused by the release of chemical ions present in the sediment. “A large portion of the chemical fertilizers and pesticides applied in farms in the catchment area of the reservoir will have joined the waters as dissolved ions and been washed down into the reservoir to bind with the fine sediments at the bottom. When the sediment is disturbed, the chemical ions are released into the water piped to the city or washed downstream,” he says. He advocates a study of the nature of the ions and their impact on public health before embarking on the project.Yet another point raised by Dr. Thrivikramji is the likely presence of the gem chrysoberyl (Vaiduriyam) in the sediment. The area is rich in the gem and illegal mining for it is rampant. “The authorities will have to decide on who will have the right on the chrysoberyl extracted from the reservoir,” he says.
Mr. Sridhar highlights the need for a detailed environment management plan before launching the project. “The plan should also be subjected to a public hearing,” he says.
The Hindu, 27th October 2009
Experts fear that desilting the reservoir, the only drinking water source for the greater Thiruvananthapuram area, is fraught with danger, unless preceded by an extensive scientific investigation and done with proper safeguards and regulations. They point out that the copious quantity of water required for washing the sediment and separating the sand from silt and clay will be unaffordable for a city that faces an acute shortage of drinking water, especially during summer.K.P. Thrivikramji, former Head of the Department of Geology, University of Kerala, says the potential sand reserve in the reservoir has not been assessed scientifically. The estimated sediment deposit of 80,000 cubic metres is based on 10-year-old data. “Sand makes up only 20-30 per cent of the total accumulated sediment deposit in a reservoir. This works out to sand deposits of 16,000 to 24,000 cubic metres (2,666 to 4,000 tipper-lorry loads) only,” he said.Dr. Thrivikramji feels that manual removal of silt, as proposed by the Aruvikkara panchayat, is unsuited for the reservoir.
“Manual extraction is time-consuming and raises the risk of contaminating the drinking water source for an extended period. Suction dredgers which cause the least or minimum disturbance to the water should be used for desiltation,” he says.He points to the problem in disposing of contaminated water used for washing and removing the sand from the silt and clay deposits. “How do we keep this water away from the distribution network? How will the residues be disposed of,” he asks.R. Sridhar, activist of the city-based environmental group Thanal, says the absence of regulation in extraction of sand from reservoirs and its sale will result in a free-for-all. “The government will have to decide who is going to get the sand and how it is to be apportioned,” he says.Mr. Sridhar fears that even a government company entrusted with the operation is likely to outsource the job, making regulation difficult. “Controlled dredging will become impossible,” he points out.
Another issue pointed out by Dr. Thrivikramji is the likely public health hazard caused by the release of chemical ions present in the sediment. “A large portion of the chemical fertilizers and pesticides applied in farms in the catchment area of the reservoir will have joined the waters as dissolved ions and been washed down into the reservoir to bind with the fine sediments at the bottom. When the sediment is disturbed, the chemical ions are released into the water piped to the city or washed downstream,” he says. He advocates a study of the nature of the ions and their impact on public health before embarking on the project.Yet another point raised by Dr. Thrivikramji is the likely presence of the gem chrysoberyl (Vaiduriyam) in the sediment. The area is rich in the gem and illegal mining for it is rampant. “The authorities will have to decide on who will have the right on the chrysoberyl extracted from the reservoir,” he says.
Mr. Sridhar highlights the need for a detailed environment management plan before launching the project. “The plan should also be subjected to a public hearing,” he says.
The Hindu, 27th October 2009
India declares itself free from bird flu
India has declared itself free from the notifiable Avian Influenza (H5N1). The notification was issued to the OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health) on October 22.A country can declare itself free from birdflu, if there is no outbreak for three months. With the declaration, the country can hope to revive its poultry trade.India notified the outbreak of Avian Influenza (H5N1) in Assam (18 epicentres), West Bengal (11) and Sikkim (1) between November 2008 and May 2009.
The last outbreak in Uttar Dinajpur district of West Bengal was notified on May 27, 2009. There has since been no further outbreak.The control measures adopted included stamping out the entire poultry population, including destruction of eggs, feed, litters and other infected materials, in a radius of 3-5 km around each location, restrictions on the movement of poultry and poultry products to and from the area of outbreak, disinfection and cleaning up of infected premises. The final disinfection process was completed on June 8, 2009.Surveillance was carried out throughout the country as per Article 2.7.12.4 of the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code (2008). Surveillance around the area of outbreak since the completion of the operation (including culling, disinfection and clean-up) and surveillance in the rest of the country has shown no evidence of the presence of the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1).
It is, however, emphasised that the surveillance against Avian Influenza will have to be continued throughout the country, especially in vulnerable areas bordering the infected countries and in areas visited by migratory birds.In a communication to the States, the Union government has said the declaration should not lead the States into complacency and they must maintain vigil against the disease.
The Hindu, 27th October 2009
The last outbreak in Uttar Dinajpur district of West Bengal was notified on May 27, 2009. There has since been no further outbreak.The control measures adopted included stamping out the entire poultry population, including destruction of eggs, feed, litters and other infected materials, in a radius of 3-5 km around each location, restrictions on the movement of poultry and poultry products to and from the area of outbreak, disinfection and cleaning up of infected premises. The final disinfection process was completed on June 8, 2009.Surveillance was carried out throughout the country as per Article 2.7.12.4 of the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code (2008). Surveillance around the area of outbreak since the completion of the operation (including culling, disinfection and clean-up) and surveillance in the rest of the country has shown no evidence of the presence of the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1).
It is, however, emphasised that the surveillance against Avian Influenza will have to be continued throughout the country, especially in vulnerable areas bordering the infected countries and in areas visited by migratory birds.In a communication to the States, the Union government has said the declaration should not lead the States into complacency and they must maintain vigil against the disease.
The Hindu, 27th October 2009
Manmohan calls for saving Himalayan eco-system
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday emphasised the need for greater engagement and coordination with all the country’s neighbours who share the Himalayas and pointed out that some bilateral initiatives were being taken up with China and Bhutan in this respect.While a large part of the Himalayan range is within the Indian territory, there are other countries who share the mountain ranges with India, including Nepal, Bhutan, China and Pakistan.Dr. Singh was chairing a meeting of the Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change on the National Mission on Sustaining the Himalayan Eco-System. He said any comprehensive Climate Change Action Plan for the entire Himalayan zone would require coordinated action among all stakeholder countries.Expressing happiness that the mission — one of the eight identified in the National Action Plan for Climate Change — had come up with a set of concrete, immediate and long term measures, he said involvement of the local communities was indispensable in ensuring its successful implementation.
India had anecdotal evidence that glaciers may be receding. There was need for obtaining precise and carefully vetted data, both through satellite imaging and ground surveys. The establishment of a Centre for Glaciological Studies was welcome, he said adding that the initiative taken to commission a study on the Himalayan glaciers in collaboration with the ISRO was commendable.Describing the entire Himalayan zone, including the mountains, the foothills and the terai area, as an extremely fragile zone, he said that over the years, deforestation, demographic pressures and rapid and often uncontrolled urbanisation and construction with only marginal attention being paid to environmental safeguards had caused steady degradation.
The Hindu, 27th October 2009
India had anecdotal evidence that glaciers may be receding. There was need for obtaining precise and carefully vetted data, both through satellite imaging and ground surveys. The establishment of a Centre for Glaciological Studies was welcome, he said adding that the initiative taken to commission a study on the Himalayan glaciers in collaboration with the ISRO was commendable.Describing the entire Himalayan zone, including the mountains, the foothills and the terai area, as an extremely fragile zone, he said that over the years, deforestation, demographic pressures and rapid and often uncontrolled urbanisation and construction with only marginal attention being paid to environmental safeguards had caused steady degradation.
The Hindu, 27th October 2009
Clean Trivandrum project soon
Residents in apartment complexes in the capital may soon be equipped to operate their own garbage treatment units. The Thiruvananthapuram chapter of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Association of India (CREDAI) is launching a decentralised mass solid waste management project targeting apartment buildings. The project will replicate the model launched by CREDAI in Kochi two years back. By minimising the quantum of garbage transported from the city, it is expected to help streamline the operation of the treatment plant at Vilappilsala. A team from CREDAI met Mayor C. Jayan Babu here on Thursday to discuss the implementation of the project, named Clean Trivandrum, which is to be launched in the city early next month with the support of the City Corporation.
The project focuses on source-level segregation of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste and treatment of biodegradable waste using aerobic microbial composting bio bin system. The system is based on bio-trigger mechanism of scientifically combining naturally occurring microbes with the biodegradable waste to trigger the process of decomposition. Under the project, families residing in apartments will be provided with two buckets, green and yellow, to segregate organic and plastic waste. Two lightweight fibre bio bins measuring 6 ft long, 3 feet wide and 2.5 ft height will be installed in each apartment complex. The bins will be used for mixing and decomposing the biodegradable waste.The two bio bins, which can be placed in common areas like the terrace, car porch or garden of the building complex, will be used alternatively for filling up and decomposing the waste. It will take from 15 to 20 days for the waste to decompose in this process. The manure thus processed will be sieved periodically after 15 days and the residents can either sell it or use it for their gardens or farms.
“The best thing about this system is that it processes biodegradable solid waste in minimum time without any mechanisation, transportation or energy consumption. So it is a very eco-friendly system of waste management. It is also one of the easiest and neatest waste management systems and reduces the waste to 15 per cent,” said Jose Joseph, technical director of CREDAI Clean City Movement. Meanwhile, the plastic waste collected in the yellow bucket will be handed over to the plastic shredding units of the Corporation. “The shredded plastic may be used for polymerised road tarring or tile casting,” Mr. Joseph said. He said that as many as 190 building complexes process 25 tonnes of solid waste daily by participating in the project in Kochi.
“One unit of bio bin system can process 50-55 kg waste per day and produce 8 kg of compost per day. The maintenance of the unit, including the fee for the staff and their cleaning equipment, will only cost around Rs.640 per month for a unit of 40 apartments. We will also be providing the bio culture to be used in the bio bin,” Mr. Joseph said.Corporation health standing committee chairman G.R. Anil said that the civic body envisages a five per cent reduction in waste transported to Vilappilsala through the project. “The Corporation has made it mandatory for buildings having more than five apartments to have self-contained solid waste management units. We will also be extending our support to the initiative of CREDAI in setting up such units in existing apartment complexes,” Mr. Anil said.
The Corporation would provide the service of Kudumbasree Clean Well workers for maintaining the bio bin units in apartment complexes, he added.CREDAI is planning to launch the project in seven apartment complexes in the city initially.“The project will be extended to all existing apartment complexes, around 150 of them, in a phased manner. We will be giving training to the workers for collection and management of waste under the system. We will also have supervisors to oversee the project in every apartment complex,” said CREDAI executive officer S. Haridas.
The Hindu, 26th October 2009
The project focuses on source-level segregation of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste and treatment of biodegradable waste using aerobic microbial composting bio bin system. The system is based on bio-trigger mechanism of scientifically combining naturally occurring microbes with the biodegradable waste to trigger the process of decomposition. Under the project, families residing in apartments will be provided with two buckets, green and yellow, to segregate organic and plastic waste. Two lightweight fibre bio bins measuring 6 ft long, 3 feet wide and 2.5 ft height will be installed in each apartment complex. The bins will be used for mixing and decomposing the biodegradable waste.The two bio bins, which can be placed in common areas like the terrace, car porch or garden of the building complex, will be used alternatively for filling up and decomposing the waste. It will take from 15 to 20 days for the waste to decompose in this process. The manure thus processed will be sieved periodically after 15 days and the residents can either sell it or use it for their gardens or farms.
“The best thing about this system is that it processes biodegradable solid waste in minimum time without any mechanisation, transportation or energy consumption. So it is a very eco-friendly system of waste management. It is also one of the easiest and neatest waste management systems and reduces the waste to 15 per cent,” said Jose Joseph, technical director of CREDAI Clean City Movement. Meanwhile, the plastic waste collected in the yellow bucket will be handed over to the plastic shredding units of the Corporation. “The shredded plastic may be used for polymerised road tarring or tile casting,” Mr. Joseph said. He said that as many as 190 building complexes process 25 tonnes of solid waste daily by participating in the project in Kochi.
“One unit of bio bin system can process 50-55 kg waste per day and produce 8 kg of compost per day. The maintenance of the unit, including the fee for the staff and their cleaning equipment, will only cost around Rs.640 per month for a unit of 40 apartments. We will also be providing the bio culture to be used in the bio bin,” Mr. Joseph said.Corporation health standing committee chairman G.R. Anil said that the civic body envisages a five per cent reduction in waste transported to Vilappilsala through the project. “The Corporation has made it mandatory for buildings having more than five apartments to have self-contained solid waste management units. We will also be extending our support to the initiative of CREDAI in setting up such units in existing apartment complexes,” Mr. Anil said.
The Corporation would provide the service of Kudumbasree Clean Well workers for maintaining the bio bin units in apartment complexes, he added.CREDAI is planning to launch the project in seven apartment complexes in the city initially.“The project will be extended to all existing apartment complexes, around 150 of them, in a phased manner. We will be giving training to the workers for collection and management of waste under the system. We will also have supervisors to oversee the project in every apartment complex,” said CREDAI executive officer S. Haridas.
The Hindu, 26th October 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
‘By 2015 India will be ready for manned moon mission’
K. Radhakrishnan, who has been appointed Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation, said on Saturday that by 2015 India would be ready for a manned moon mission.Work on Chandrayaan-II was progressing. Efforts would be made to take the benefits of space research to the common man, he told journalists here.
. The Hindu, 25th October 2009
. The Hindu, 25th October 2009
A long-drawn campaign on Gangetic dolphin bears fruit
When the Gangetic dolphin was accorded the national aquatic animal status the other day, it was a moment of fulfilment for those at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi.The conferring of the status was the logical conclusion of a campaign for protecting the species that the institute took up 18 years ago. The CMFRI had persuaded the postal authorities to bring out a commemorative stamp considering the threat faced by the animal. Subsequently, a stamp on the dolphin and another one on the sea cow were released on March 4, 1991. The institute stepped out of its mandate of marine fishery research for protecting a fresh water species that time.The Rs.-4 dolphin stamp was released by K. Sukumaran, a judge of the Kerala High Court, at a function held at the institute hall.The Gangetic river dolphins (Platanista gangetica gangetica) are found in the Ganges-Brahmaputra river system in India and Bangladesh. The animal, with long beaks, stocky body with a rounded belly and large flippers, were once found throughout many rivers in India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. However, it is feared that the animal might have become extinct in Bhutan.The International Union for Conservation of Nature had listed it as endangered species. The population has dwindled by over 50 per cent during the past 50 years. Experts are of the view only 2,000 dolphins are left in the wild. It was an uncommon step for creating awareness on the rare species. The stamp had generated a huge interest in the society, especially among students,” remembered N.G.K. Pillai, director-in-charge of the institute.
Accidental killing through entanglement in fishing nets, hunting for dolphin oil, destruction of habitat and increased level of chemical pollution have proved disastrous for the rare species, scientists said.
The Hindu, 23rd October 2009
Accidental killing through entanglement in fishing nets, hunting for dolphin oil, destruction of habitat and increased level of chemical pollution have proved disastrous for the rare species, scientists said.
The Hindu, 23rd October 2009
India, China sign MoA on climate change
Reiterating that the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol are the most appropriate framework for addressing climate change, India and China on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to establish a partnership in the area for strengthening dialogue and practical cooperation. They agreed to set up an India-China Working Group on Climate Change that will hold annual meetings alternately in China and India to exchange views on important issues concerning international negotiations and domestic policies and measures. The MoA was signed by Xie Xhenhua, vice-chairman, National Development and Reform Commission of China, and the Minister of State (Independent charge) for Environment and Forests, Jairam Ramesh, at a workshop on National Action Plans on Climate Change of the two countries here. Mr. Ramesh said there was no difference between the Indian and Chinese negotiating positions and both were working closely for a fair and equitable outcome at Copenhagen in keeping with the UNFCCC, the Kyoto Protocol and the Bali Action Plan.“The implementation of the MoA will usher in a new scenario and take cooperation on climate change between the two countries to a new high,” Mr. Xie said through an interpreter.
The Hindu, 22nd October 2009
The Hindu, 22nd October 2009
Crucial climate change talks fail
Prospects of a global deal on climate change being reached at the Copenhagen conference in December receded on Tuesday after a crucial meeting of representatives of the world’s 17 major economies, including India and China, here failed to reach an agreement on two major sticking points — the developing countries’ insistence on a firm financial commitment from richer nations to help them cope with the effects of more climate-friendly policies; and the developed world’s demand for long-term cuts in greenhouse emissions. Reflecting the mood of pessimism, Britain’s Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband admitted that it looked like an “uphill battle” to get a deal and warned that the Copenhagen talks would “fail” if a broad agreement was not reached before that.
“The truth is that if this is left to the negotiators in the formal negotiations, I think we’ll fail,” he said at the end of the two-day meeting of Major Economies Forum (MEF) whose members include India, China, Russia, America, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the European Union, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Mexico and South Africa. The Forum was launched by U.S. President Barack Obama earlier this year to help break the deadlock over a new global climate treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol which expires in 2012 The warning was echoed by Todd Stern, American special envoy on climate change. He said it was “certainly possible” that there would be no deal in Copenhagen. “What we need to have happen is for China and India and Brazil and South Africa and others to be willing to take what they’re doing [in terms of emission cuts], boost it up some, and then be willing to put it into an international agreement,” he said. In a communiqué, issued after the talks, the Forum said that there was “substantial” agreement that “significantly scaled up financing will be important”. But the developing nations failed to obtain a commitment over the scale of Western contribution.
Campaigners insisted that it was up to the rich countries in the MEF to “face up to their legal and moral responsibility by agreeing to cut their emissions first and fastest”.
The Hindu, 21st October 2009
“The truth is that if this is left to the negotiators in the formal negotiations, I think we’ll fail,” he said at the end of the two-day meeting of Major Economies Forum (MEF) whose members include India, China, Russia, America, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the European Union, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Mexico and South Africa. The Forum was launched by U.S. President Barack Obama earlier this year to help break the deadlock over a new global climate treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol which expires in 2012 The warning was echoed by Todd Stern, American special envoy on climate change. He said it was “certainly possible” that there would be no deal in Copenhagen. “What we need to have happen is for China and India and Brazil and South Africa and others to be willing to take what they’re doing [in terms of emission cuts], boost it up some, and then be willing to put it into an international agreement,” he said. In a communiqué, issued after the talks, the Forum said that there was “substantial” agreement that “significantly scaled up financing will be important”. But the developing nations failed to obtain a commitment over the scale of Western contribution.
Campaigners insisted that it was up to the rich countries in the MEF to “face up to their legal and moral responsibility by agreeing to cut their emissions first and fastest”.
The Hindu, 21st October 2009
Survey unearths a frog haven
A three-day survey has recorded the presence of 29 species of frogs in the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary. It is hoped that a detailed survey will identify more species of frogs.K.J. Varghese, Conservator of Forests (Agastyamala Biological Park) told The Hindu that on the basis of the findings of the rapid survey, the Forest Department would undertake a detailed amphibian study in the sanctuary. He said it was the first time that such a survey was undertaken in the sanctuary. It brought to light the rich biodiversity in the sanctuary, Mr. Varghese said. The survey team comprised 13 persons led by veterinary surgeon and naturalist Anil Zacharia.
P.I. Pradeep Kumar, warden of the sanctuary, said that of the 29 species found, 23 were endemic to the Western Ghats. Seven new species, discovered after the year 2000, were also found in the sanctuary. The Myristica swamp in the lower reaches of the sanctuary was found to be the ideal breeding ground for many of the frog species. The species endemic to the Western Ghats found in the sanctuary include the Malabar tree toad, dusky torrent frog, Alicia’s night frog, Beddome’s night frog, Malabar India frog, variable bush frog, Anil’s bush frog, Beddome’s bush frog, small wrinkled frog, small bush frog, Ponmudi bush frog, Kani bush frog, Kalpetta bush frog, large Ponmudi bush frog and the Malabar flying frog. Other frogs found include the chunam frog, the bronze frog, golden frog, dot frog, Indian bull frog, Kerala warty frog, Indian pond frog, skittering frog and the ridged toad. The sanctuary was divided into three sites, Kattilapara, Rockwood Estate and Pandimotta, for the survey. At Kattilapara, 14 species were found. At Rockwood Estate, 13 species were found and at Pandimotta eight species were found.
The survey team also comprised Jafer Palot from the Zoological Survey of India and E. Kunhikrishnan from the Zoology Department of the University College, Thiruvananthapuram.
The Hindu, 21st October 2009
P.I. Pradeep Kumar, warden of the sanctuary, said that of the 29 species found, 23 were endemic to the Western Ghats. Seven new species, discovered after the year 2000, were also found in the sanctuary. The Myristica swamp in the lower reaches of the sanctuary was found to be the ideal breeding ground for many of the frog species. The species endemic to the Western Ghats found in the sanctuary include the Malabar tree toad, dusky torrent frog, Alicia’s night frog, Beddome’s night frog, Malabar India frog, variable bush frog, Anil’s bush frog, Beddome’s bush frog, small wrinkled frog, small bush frog, Ponmudi bush frog, Kani bush frog, Kalpetta bush frog, large Ponmudi bush frog and the Malabar flying frog. Other frogs found include the chunam frog, the bronze frog, golden frog, dot frog, Indian bull frog, Kerala warty frog, Indian pond frog, skittering frog and the ridged toad. The sanctuary was divided into three sites, Kattilapara, Rockwood Estate and Pandimotta, for the survey. At Kattilapara, 14 species were found. At Rockwood Estate, 13 species were found and at Pandimotta eight species were found.
The survey team also comprised Jafer Palot from the Zoological Survey of India and E. Kunhikrishnan from the Zoology Department of the University College, Thiruvananthapuram.
The Hindu, 21st October 2009
Three new species of legless amphibians found in northeast
Three new species of legless amphibians have been discovered from forests in Manipur and Nagaland by researchers led by Delhi University Associate Professor S.D. Biju. The team’s find, published in the latest issue of Zootaxa (an international journal of zoological taxonomy), is unique as two of the new species have moustache-like stripes on the upper lip not found in caecilians reported from any part of the world before, a university release said on Tuesday. Worldwide more than 170 species of caecilians (which are one among the three orders of amphibians known as Gymnophiona) have been reported so far. In northeast India, only four of these species were known to exist. The new find takes the number of known legless amphibians in this region to seven.
Rachunliu G. Kamei, Dr. Biju’s Ph.D student and lecturer in St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, spearheaded the research article. The research team had two collaborators from the Natural History Museum, London — David Gower and Mark Wilkinson. Dr. Biju, an amphibian researcher who has come out with a string of discoveries of new species and even a new family of frogs over the past five years from India, told The Hindu that the latest find was another indication of the yet-to-be fully understood biodiversity of the country. The team named one of the three species Ichthyophis moustakius, meaning an Ichthyophis with moustache. The northeast is at the junction of the Indo- Myanmar-Himalaya global biodiversity hotspot. However, according to Dr. Biju, the biodiversity of this region is dwindling rapidly due to human intervention. All the three species came from an area where forests were being converted into agricultural land, he said.
The Hindu, 21st October 2009
Rachunliu G. Kamei, Dr. Biju’s Ph.D student and lecturer in St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, spearheaded the research article. The research team had two collaborators from the Natural History Museum, London — David Gower and Mark Wilkinson. Dr. Biju, an amphibian researcher who has come out with a string of discoveries of new species and even a new family of frogs over the past five years from India, told The Hindu that the latest find was another indication of the yet-to-be fully understood biodiversity of the country. The team named one of the three species Ichthyophis moustakius, meaning an Ichthyophis with moustache. The northeast is at the junction of the Indo- Myanmar-Himalaya global biodiversity hotspot. However, according to Dr. Biju, the biodiversity of this region is dwindling rapidly due to human intervention. All the three species came from an area where forests were being converted into agricultural land, he said.
The Hindu, 21st October 2009
Jairam: India not for legally binding emission cuts
India will never accept internationally legally binding emission reduction targets or commitments as part of any agreement of or deal, Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh has said. In a statement here on Tuesday, Mr. Ramesh said that while India was prepared to discuss and make public periodically the implementation of its National Action Plan on climate change, it would never accept internationally legally binding emission reduction targets or commitment. The statement that comes in response to his letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh says, “India will never accept any dilution or renegotiation of the provisions and principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). In particular, we will never agree to the elimination of the distinction between developed and developing countries as far as internationally legally binding emission reduction obligations are concerned.”
“India will agree to consider international measurement, reporting and verification of its mitigation actions only when such actions are enabled and supported by international finance and technology. India like other developing countries, fully expects developed countries to fulfil their obligations on transfer of technology and financial transfer that they committed to under the UNFCCC and the Bali Action Plan for both mitigation and adaptation actions,” the statement said. Further, he said his note had suggested the possibility of some flexibility in India’s stance, keeping the non-negotiables firmly intact and keeping India irrevocably anchored in the UNFCCC of 1992 and the Bali Action Plan of 2007. “I have never at any stage considered or advocated abandoning the fundamental tenets of the Kyoto Protocol.”
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Tuesday demanded that Parliament lay down the basic principles for India’s stand in climate change negotiations. Any change must be decided only by Parliament.Describing as “deeply disturbing” reports that Minister for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh had written a letter to the Prime Minister calling for a U-turn in India’s negotiating position, the party Polit Bureau said there was a national consensus on the major elements of the country’s policy. In a statement, it said these include convergence of per capita emissions by developed and developing nations, the principle of common but differentiated responsibility in tackling global warming, immediate and share cuts in Green House Gas (GHG) emissions to be undertaken by the rich industrialised countries that today have contributed to the bulk of GHG stock in the atmosphere and the provision, by the developed countries of technology and adaptation financing for the developing countries as a small measure for repayment of this carbon debt.“The Minister’s letter is a complete move away from these basic positions and seems only to focus on strategically aligning India with the U.S. on climate policy and breaking ranks with this entire bloc of developing countries,” the statement said.
The Hindu, 21st October 2009
“India will agree to consider international measurement, reporting and verification of its mitigation actions only when such actions are enabled and supported by international finance and technology. India like other developing countries, fully expects developed countries to fulfil their obligations on transfer of technology and financial transfer that they committed to under the UNFCCC and the Bali Action Plan for both mitigation and adaptation actions,” the statement said. Further, he said his note had suggested the possibility of some flexibility in India’s stance, keeping the non-negotiables firmly intact and keeping India irrevocably anchored in the UNFCCC of 1992 and the Bali Action Plan of 2007. “I have never at any stage considered or advocated abandoning the fundamental tenets of the Kyoto Protocol.”
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Tuesday demanded that Parliament lay down the basic principles for India’s stand in climate change negotiations. Any change must be decided only by Parliament.Describing as “deeply disturbing” reports that Minister for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh had written a letter to the Prime Minister calling for a U-turn in India’s negotiating position, the party Polit Bureau said there was a national consensus on the major elements of the country’s policy. In a statement, it said these include convergence of per capita emissions by developed and developing nations, the principle of common but differentiated responsibility in tackling global warming, immediate and share cuts in Green House Gas (GHG) emissions to be undertaken by the rich industrialised countries that today have contributed to the bulk of GHG stock in the atmosphere and the provision, by the developed countries of technology and adaptation financing for the developing countries as a small measure for repayment of this carbon debt.“The Minister’s letter is a complete move away from these basic positions and seems only to focus on strategically aligning India with the U.S. on climate policy and breaking ranks with this entire bloc of developing countries,” the statement said.
The Hindu, 21st October 2009
‘Dinosaur-killer meteorite crashed off India’s west coast’
A meteorite more than 40 km wide and hurtling towards Earth at 58,000 miles an hour that killed dinosaurs 65 million years ago, had actually crashed off India’s west coast, an Indian-origin professor has claimed. Sankar Chatterjee of Texas Tech University, who presented his research this month at a meet in the Geological Society of America in Portland, Oregon, on Sunday, said, “If we are right, massive Shiva basin, a submerged depression west of India is the largest crater known on our planet.”Mr. Chatterjee, who along with a team of researchers took a close look at the Shiva basin that is intensely mined for its oil and gas resources, said: “It is probably the largest, multi-ringed impact crater the world has ever seen and a bolide of this size, perhaps 40 km in diameter, creates its own tectonics.”
He rejected earlier arguments that dinosaurs were killed after a giant asteroid slammed into the planet near Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. According to the Geological Society of America, the geological evidence is dramatic. Shiva’s outer rim forms a rough, faulted ring some 500 km in diameter, encircling the central peak, known as Bombay High.Most of the crater lies submerged on India’s continental shelf, but where it does come ashore it is marked by tall cliffs, active faults and hot springs. — PTI
The Hindu, 20th October 2009
He rejected earlier arguments that dinosaurs were killed after a giant asteroid slammed into the planet near Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. According to the Geological Society of America, the geological evidence is dramatic. Shiva’s outer rim forms a rough, faulted ring some 500 km in diameter, encircling the central peak, known as Bombay High.Most of the crater lies submerged on India’s continental shelf, but where it does come ashore it is marked by tall cliffs, active faults and hot springs. — PTI
The Hindu, 20th October 2009
No change in Indian stand on climate change, says Jairam Ramesh
Under criticism for a new proposal that suggests a shift in India’s climate change policy, Jairam Ramesh, Minister of State (independent charge), Environment and Forests said his recent communication to the Prime Minister was totally distorted. “India’s interests alone should drive the negotiations, and legally binding emission cuts and international verification [of India] are non-negotiable. [But] there is no harm in having discussions on other issues,” he told The Hindu on Monday in response to a news report that quoted Mr. Ramesh’s letter to the Prime Minister as suggesting that India walk out of the Kyoto Protocol and the G-77 group of developing countries, with which it has so far been allied.In his letter, Mr. Ramesh, in fact, suggested that India “not stick to G-77 alone” since it was now embedded in G-20. “India’s interests and India’s interests alone should drive our negotiations. India must be seen as pragmatic and constructive, not argumentative and polemical.”
On Kyoto, the letter says India should take the position that it “welcomes any initiative to bring the U.S. into the mainstream if need be through a special mechanism but without diluting the basic Annex-1/non-Annex-1 distinction of Kyoto Protocol.” It adds that if the Australian proposal of a schedule “maintains this basic distinction and the nature of differential obligations is made clear, we should have no great theological objections to it.”The Australian proposal involves developing nations committing themselves to their own binding schedule of measures to reduce carbon emissions — something not envisaged by Kyoto — though they would not be locked into internationally determined targets.During the Bangkok climate change negotiations last month, India attacked the Australian proposal for diluting Kyoto and for sidestepping the idea embodied in the UNFCCC that developed nations have greater historical responsibilities.Mr. Ramesh’s letter calls for cooperation between India and China in climate change, including an MoU to be signed on October 21, saying this would send “powerful international signals.” It also says bilateral engagement is needed with the U.S., Japan, Australia, Brazil and South Africa.Another important suggestion made by Mr. Ramesh is that India must listen more and speak less in negotiations, or else be treated with disfavour and derision by the developing countries.
The Hindu, 20th October 2009
On Kyoto, the letter says India should take the position that it “welcomes any initiative to bring the U.S. into the mainstream if need be through a special mechanism but without diluting the basic Annex-1/non-Annex-1 distinction of Kyoto Protocol.” It adds that if the Australian proposal of a schedule “maintains this basic distinction and the nature of differential obligations is made clear, we should have no great theological objections to it.”The Australian proposal involves developing nations committing themselves to their own binding schedule of measures to reduce carbon emissions — something not envisaged by Kyoto — though they would not be locked into internationally determined targets.During the Bangkok climate change negotiations last month, India attacked the Australian proposal for diluting Kyoto and for sidestepping the idea embodied in the UNFCCC that developed nations have greater historical responsibilities.Mr. Ramesh’s letter calls for cooperation between India and China in climate change, including an MoU to be signed on October 21, saying this would send “powerful international signals.” It also says bilateral engagement is needed with the U.S., Japan, Australia, Brazil and South Africa.Another important suggestion made by Mr. Ramesh is that India must listen more and speak less in negotiations, or else be treated with disfavour and derision by the developing countries.
The Hindu, 20th October 2009
Maldives Cabinet meets under water to seek action on climate change
Maldives, facing a grave threat of being swamped by the rising sea levels, appealed for concerted action on climate change when its Cabinet held the world’s first underwater meeting to highlight the danger posed to low-lying nations by global warming. The Maldivian Cabinet met at the bottom of the sea on Saturday to frame an SOS to global leaders to save their atoll nation from being submerged by the rising seas.A declaration approved at the end of a 25-minute meeting, presided by President Mohammad Nasheed, called for global action to combat climate change. It will be presented at the Copenhagen climate summit in December.
The declaration said global warming was sending the ice caps crashing into the sea, leading to sharp rise in water levels, the Presidential spokesperson said over phone from Male.The 42-year-old President of this picturesque group of coral islands and his Cabinet colleagues, wearing face masks, scuba-dived to their underwater rendezvous held six metres below the surface of a lagoon off Girifushi island, about 35 nautical miles from capital Male. They spent 45 minutes sitting across tables immersed to the sea bottom.Mr. Nasheed and his colleagues used white boards and hand signals to communicate their decisions. While the Ministers had undergone diving courses for the past two months to keep their underwater date, Mr. Nasheed was an experienced diver, the spokesperson said. The Maldivian Ministers went to these extraordinary lengths as a United Nations panel on climate change had warned that even a rise in sea levels between 18 and 60 cm would submerge the islands by 2100.Maldives comprises more than 100 islands scattered over 800 km across the equator, and 90 per cent of them are just a metre above sea level.
The Hindu, 19th October 2009
The declaration said global warming was sending the ice caps crashing into the sea, leading to sharp rise in water levels, the Presidential spokesperson said over phone from Male.The 42-year-old President of this picturesque group of coral islands and his Cabinet colleagues, wearing face masks, scuba-dived to their underwater rendezvous held six metres below the surface of a lagoon off Girifushi island, about 35 nautical miles from capital Male. They spent 45 minutes sitting across tables immersed to the sea bottom.Mr. Nasheed and his colleagues used white boards and hand signals to communicate their decisions. While the Ministers had undergone diving courses for the past two months to keep their underwater date, Mr. Nasheed was an experienced diver, the spokesperson said. The Maldivian Ministers went to these extraordinary lengths as a United Nations panel on climate change had warned that even a rise in sea levels between 18 and 60 cm would submerge the islands by 2100.Maldives comprises more than 100 islands scattered over 800 km across the equator, and 90 per cent of them are just a metre above sea level.
The Hindu, 19th October 2009
Bangalore to have world class research institute on climate change
India will demonstrate to the world that “we are serious about climate change” through a set of new initiatives — the first being the setting up of a world class institute here to carry out research on climate, global warming and its impact on the economy and environment.Union Minister for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh told journalists here on Sunday that the “National Institute for Research on Climate and Environment” would help build India’s own capacity for measuring, monitoring and modelling climate at a time when most information on global warming was derived from the West.The institute would use space-based and ground-based observation systems to create an indigenous “nucleus” for research into all issues relating to climate, including the impact of climate change on aspects of the economy such as agriculture and water, Mr. Ramesh said.The institute would be a joint initiative of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Union Ministry for Environment and Forests (MoEF).“The aim is to build a world class institute, which will serve as a data hub on all issues relating to climate,” Mr. Ramesh said, adding that formal approval from the Centre was expected shortly. The project would receive an initial funding of Rs. 40 crore. ISRO Chairman G. Madhavan Nair said that he hoped to initiate the programme this financial year.
Satellite monitoring
Mr. Nair said two satellites would be launched between 2010 and 2011 to measure and monitor greenhouse gases. While a micro-satellite would be launched in 2010 to study aerosols, another dedicated satellite in 2011 would monitor greenhouse gases such as methane and trace gases. With this India would “demonstrate to the world that we are serious about climate change” and place itself in the league of a few countries such as Japan and some European countries that had such initiatives, Mr. Ramesh said.A new mechanism was being proposed to provide incentives to States to retain and expand green cover, said Mr. Ramesh. Towards this end, a “green bonus” would be given to States along with funds from the Planning Commission or Finance Commission. “There needs to be sensitivity on the part of the State governments about forest cover,” he said, adding that of paramount importance were forests of the Western Ghats and the north-east.
“I have written twice to the [Karnataka] Chief Minister not to proceed with Gundya [hydel power project in the Western Ghats].” The ISRO would also assist in monitoring the Himalayan glaciers which were of vital importance for water security, said Mr. Ramesh.“There is much concern about the retreating Himalayan glaciers. But we do not have programmes of our own to monitor the area. Western research focuses primarily on the Arctic glaciers which are fundamentally different.”
The Hindu, 18th October 2009
Satellite monitoring
Mr. Nair said two satellites would be launched between 2010 and 2011 to measure and monitor greenhouse gases. While a micro-satellite would be launched in 2010 to study aerosols, another dedicated satellite in 2011 would monitor greenhouse gases such as methane and trace gases. With this India would “demonstrate to the world that we are serious about climate change” and place itself in the league of a few countries such as Japan and some European countries that had such initiatives, Mr. Ramesh said.A new mechanism was being proposed to provide incentives to States to retain and expand green cover, said Mr. Ramesh. Towards this end, a “green bonus” would be given to States along with funds from the Planning Commission or Finance Commission. “There needs to be sensitivity on the part of the State governments about forest cover,” he said, adding that of paramount importance were forests of the Western Ghats and the north-east.
“I have written twice to the [Karnataka] Chief Minister not to proceed with Gundya [hydel power project in the Western Ghats].” The ISRO would also assist in monitoring the Himalayan glaciers which were of vital importance for water security, said Mr. Ramesh.“There is much concern about the retreating Himalayan glaciers. But we do not have programmes of our own to monitor the area. Western research focuses primarily on the Arctic glaciers which are fundamentally different.”
The Hindu, 18th October 2009
U.S. welcomes site allocation for nuclear plants
The U.S. has welcomed India’s allocation of sites for the construction of nuclear plants by U.S.-led companies.The grant of the sites to the U.S.-led consortia at Chhayamithi Virdi in Gujarat and Kovvada in Andhra Pradesh followed an agreement between the U.S. and India for expanded cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The promise of providing business to the U.S.-led companies for production of nuclear power worth 10,000 MWe was held out by India in the run-up to ending the country’s isolation from the global civil nuclear commerce as it is not a signatory to the Nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).“This important announcement [of allocation of sites] comes in welcome recognition of the trust and confidence as well as the growing partnership between our two countries. This development not only promises to deliver greater access to clean and affordable energy and electricity for all Indians, it will also produce jobs and economic opportunities for the people of both India and the U.S.,” Ambassador to India Timothy Roemer said in a statement.
Russia has been given a site at Haripur in West Bengal, besides Koodankulam.French company Areva will start work at Jaitapur in Maharashtra. Anil Kakodkar, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy, had said recently that the government would soon announce the sites.India has signed civil nuclear energy pacts with seven countries, including the U.S., after the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group unanimously decided to given an exemption to Delhi. The pacts with Namibia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia are intended either to source uranium or look for construction opportunities for indigenously designed small nuclear plants.The agreements with the U.S. and France seek to source technology and material for large nuclear power plants. The pact with Russia is more broad-based than those with the U.S. and France, as it also includes an agreement to secure long-term uranium supplies. New Delhi last week signed the seventh pact with Argentina which, like India, is seeking to expand the nuclear footprint in its power sector with a limited national reserve of uranium.
The Hindu, 18th October 2009
Russia has been given a site at Haripur in West Bengal, besides Koodankulam.French company Areva will start work at Jaitapur in Maharashtra. Anil Kakodkar, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy, had said recently that the government would soon announce the sites.India has signed civil nuclear energy pacts with seven countries, including the U.S., after the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group unanimously decided to given an exemption to Delhi. The pacts with Namibia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia are intended either to source uranium or look for construction opportunities for indigenously designed small nuclear plants.The agreements with the U.S. and France seek to source technology and material for large nuclear power plants. The pact with Russia is more broad-based than those with the U.S. and France, as it also includes an agreement to secure long-term uranium supplies. New Delhi last week signed the seventh pact with Argentina which, like India, is seeking to expand the nuclear footprint in its power sector with a limited national reserve of uranium.
The Hindu, 18th October 2009
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